MINNEAPOLIS — The most powerful woman in the Minnesota Senate is stepping down from her leadership post after learning the cancer she battled during the 2023 legislative session has returned.
Senate Majority Leader and longtime lawmaker Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis) made the announcement Friday, saying that in the last week, she learned that her cancer has returned and that she is facing "some serious challenges."
"As we prepare for the next session, I decided it is in the best interest of the caucus for me to step down as Majority Leader after our caucus has selected a new leader,"Dziedzic wrote. "Thank you to the caucus and the Senate for giving me the opportunity to serve as Majority Leader. Thank you to the leadership staff who helped me do my job and make it look easy. Thank you to all senate staff who continue to step up every day to help Minnesotans."
In her announcement, Dziedzic urged Minnesotans to schedule regular checkups, prioritize preventative care, and encourage family and friends to do the same.
"Life can be rough. You never know when others are dealing with family or medical challenges. Kindness and a smile go a long way," Dziedzic reflected. "Take time to call a friend and hug your loved ones.”
The news Dziedzic's cancer has returned set off an avalanche of good wishes and tributes from colleagues and constituents on social media.
"The greatest uniter and leader I have ever met.," State Sen. Matt Klein posted on X (Twitter). "I am blessed to have served under her and ache for losing her at the helm. Prayers for your health, @KariDziedzic."
"Such hard news," posted former legislative colleague Susan Kent. "Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic is a marvel -- deeply caring, smart and harder working than anyone I've met. Sending love to my friend as she tackles this new challenge."
"I am keeping Sen. Dziedzic in prayer after learning her cancer has returned," wrote Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks). "I wish her all the best as she takes care of herself and beats cancer again; I know she will. Her genuine friendship as a fellow caucus leader will be deeply missed.”
Kari Dziedzic was first elected to the state legislature in 2012 in a special election, then re-elected in 2016, 2020 and 2022. She was selected by her colleagues to serve as Senate Majority Leader in January 2023, after Minnesotans voted DFLers into the Senate majority.
She announced that she had cancer In March of 2023 and underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic days later. While Dziedzic couldn't return to the Capitol immediately, she worked remotely to lead Democrats in passing what the DFL calls a historic slate of legislation.
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