DocketBreeze

Paul Wikstrom vs. Curtis Johnson

62-CV-24-7378 The case proceeded through motions to dismiss, motions for default judgment, and motions in limine, all of which were denied by the District Court. An evidentiary hearing was held in December 2024. The District Court issued findings and conclusions regarding residency, and the case was appealed to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The Supreme Court denied discretionary review of the interlocutory order but allowed the laches issue to be raised on appeal from the final decision. The District Court ultimately ruled in favor of the contestant, declaring Johnson ineligible to serve. The case is currently on appeal. Filed Nov 20, 2024

An election contest filed by Paul Wikstrom challenging Curtis Johnson's eligibility to serve as State Representative for Minnesota House District 40B based on residency requirements. The contest alleges Johnson failed to meet the six-month residency requirement prior to the November 5, 2024 general election and requests invalidation of the election results.

A chronological view of key events and filings in this matter.

2025
District Court must issue order in the election contest by the first day of the Legislative Session
Jan 14, 2025
2024
Court Decision on Residency Dispute
Dec 20, 2024

The court has decided that Curtis Johnson did not meet the residency requirements. This means Johnson is not eligible to serve in the Minnesota House for District 40B.

Supreme Court Denied Review Request
Dec 20, 2024

The Supreme Court has decided not to review your case right now. You can still raise the issue later if the lower court makes a final decision.

Support for Challenge to Election Contest Timing
Dec 19, 2024

Curtis Johnson wants the court to review the timing of your election dispute. This means they believe your challenge was raised too late after the election, which could affect how your case is handled.

Deadline to file and serve reply to the petition
Dec 19, 2024
Response from Paul Wikstrom Filed
Dec 18, 2024

Paul Wikstrom has officially disagreed with the other side's request to review the case early. This means the court will likely continue with the current process without making a quick decision now.

Deadline to file and serve response to the petition
Dec 18, 2024
Your Case Has Been Officially Filed
Dec 16, 2024

Your case is now officially recorded with the court and assigned a case number. You will need to follow specific rules for submitting documents and can expect information on how to schedule any court hearings.

Deadline to appeal district court's decision on motion to dismiss (10 days from Dec 6, 2024)
Dec 16, 2024
Court Sets Deadlines for Case Responses
Dec 15, 2024

The Minnesota Supreme Court has given specific dates by which responses and replies in your case must be filed and shared. This helps move your case forward by setting clear timelines for everyone involved.

Residency challenge affects Curtis Johnson
Dec 13, 2024

There is a question about whether Curtis Johnson meets the residency requirements to hold the Minnesota House seat. If he is found not eligible, he may not be allowed to take office until this is resolved.

Court Decision on Residency Status
Dec 13, 2024

The court reviewed evidence about where Curtis Johnson lives and decided he meets the requirements to represent District 40B. This decision will be sent to the Minnesota State House of Representatives for final approval.

Request to review court decision filed
Dec 13, 2024

Curtis Johnson has asked a higher court to review a lower court's decision related to your case. This means there is a chance the decision could change, affecting the progress of your case.

Appeal filed to challenge dismissal ruling
Dec 13, 2024

Curtis Johnson is appealing a court's decision that denied his request to dismiss a challenge about election residency. This means he is asking a higher court to review and possibly overturn that decision to protect your election results.

Notice of Official Document Delivery
Dec 13, 2024

Your attorney, Curtis Johnson, has confirmed that important documents related to your case were sent to the other side on December 13, 2024. This helps keep your case moving forward as expected.

Deadline for parties to submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law
Dec 13, 2024
Deadline to submit proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in the election contest
Dec 13, 2024
New Lawyer Added to Your Case
Dec 10, 2024

A new lawyer is now officially working on your case. This means you have more legal support to help with your situation.

New Lawyer Added to Your Case
Dec 9, 2024

Your case now has an additional lawyer helping with your defense. This means you have more support as your case moves forward.

Order About Audio and Video Evidence
Dec 9, 2024

If there are any audio or video recordings to be used in your case, a written transcript must be prepared and shared before your trial. This helps everyone clearly understand what is said in the recordings.

Evidentiary hearing for the election contest concluded
Dec 9, 2024
Court denied all motions in election case
Dec 8, 2024

The court decided against dismissing the case or granting default judgment. You can expect both sides to continue presenting their evidence and arguments.

Court Denies Dismissal and Default Motions
Dec 8, 2024

The court decided not to dismiss your case and refused the other side's requests to win by default. Your response was accepted as filed on time, so the case will continue with a scheduled hearing.

Court Denies All Motions Against You
Dec 8, 2024

The court has decided not to accept the other side’s requests to dismiss your case or prevent your evidence. This means your case will continue, and you can present your side fully.

Evidentiary hearing for the election contest continued
Dec 8, 2024
Second day (Saturday) of a two-day trial in the district court
Dec 7, 2024
Evidentiary hearing before Referee appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court and Judge of District Court
Dec 7, 2024
Evidentiary hearing for the election contest commenced
Dec 7, 2024
Continued evidentiary hearing for residency challenge
Dec 7, 2024
New Rules for Using Audio or Video Evidence
Dec 6, 2024

You must share exact transcripts of any audio or video evidence with the other side before the trial. This ensures everyone has the same information and can prepare fairly.

Continued evidentiary hearing for residency challenge
Dec 6, 2024
District Court denied motion to dismiss the election contest
Dec 6, 2024
District court issues order denying Johnson's motion to dismiss
Dec 6, 2024
Evidentiary hearing before Referee appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court and Judge of District Court
Dec 6, 2024
Evidentiary hearing on the Notice of Contest
Dec 5, 2024
Evidentiary hearing before Referee appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court and Judge of District Court
Dec 5, 2024
Scheduled hearing in the above-captioned matter
Dec 5, 2024
First day of a two-day trial in the district court
Dec 5, 2024
Evidentiary hearing
Dec 5, 2024
Evidentiary hearing for the residency challenge of Contestee Curtis Johnson
Dec 5, 2024
Evidentiary Hearing
Dec 5, 2024
Court Decision on Election Dispute Motions
Dec 4, 2024

The court has decided not to dismiss your case or rule against your opponent by default. Your case will continue, and all evidence about residency will be considered.

Court denied all motions regarding Contestee's residency status
Dec 4, 2024
Response Filed Opposing Motions
Dec 3, 2024

Your legal team has officially responded to the other side's requests and explained why those requests should be denied. This helps protect your interests in the case and keeps certain evidence allowed.

Temporary approval for courtroom recording
Dec 3, 2024

You are allowed to have video and audio recording in Courtroom 1360 on December 5, 2024, at 1:30 PM. There are rules you need to follow about equipment and who can be recorded.

Defendant's Response to Election Contest
Dec 3, 2024

Curtis Johnson responded to the challenge against the election results. The response denies the claims and asks the court to dismiss the case entirely.

Contestant Paul Wikstrom will move the Court for entry of an order via Zoom
Dec 3, 2024
Hearing for the motion to dismiss
Dec 3, 2024
Hearing on Contestee's Motion to Dismiss, Contestant's Motion for Default, and Contestant's Motion in Limine
Dec 3, 2024
Motion hearing
Dec 3, 2024
Hearing with oral argument on motions to dismiss, default judgment, and motion in limine
Dec 3, 2024
Scheduled remote hearing allowing video and audio recording by Minnesota Public Radio
Dec 3, 2024
Hearing on Contestee's Motion to Dismiss, Contestant's Motion for Default and Motion in Limine
Dec 3, 2024
Hearing on Contestee's Motion to Dismiss, Contestant's Motion for Default Judgment, and Motion in Limine
Dec 3, 2024
Motion Hearing via Zoom with Judicial Officer Leonardo Castro
Dec 3, 2024
Court heard motion for a default judgment and motion in limine to exclude evidence regarding Contestee's residency status
Dec 3, 2024
Motion in limine to exclude affirmative evidence by Contestee
Dec 3, 2024
Contestee Curtis Johnson will move the Court for entry of an order to dismiss Petitioner's Notice of Election Contest
Dec 3, 2024
Temporary Permission for Recording Hearing
Dec 2, 2024

Minnesota Public Radio can record your hearing on December 3, 2024, using audio and video on Zoom. The recording cannot be live broadcasted or streamed, and there are rules for any future recording requests.

Court Asked to Deny Dismissal Request
Dec 2, 2024

The representative is asking the court to reject the other side's request to dismiss the case. They also want the court to move forward in your favor and exclude some evidence from the hearing.

Request to Limit Evidence at Hearing
Dec 2, 2024

The other side is asking the court to not allow certain evidence in your case during the upcoming hearing. This means they want to restrict what information can be used when deciding your case on December 3, 2024.

Affidavit Submitted Regarding Election Contest
Dec 2, 2024

An attorney has confirmed that the election challenge was properly started and related papers were shared. It also notes that the other side has not responded yet.

Hearing Scheduled for Your Case
Dec 2, 2024

You need to be ready to attend a hearing on December 5, 2024, at 1:30 PM. The hearing will take place at the Ramsey County District Court in Minnesota.

Request for Court to Decide Case Due to No Response
Dec 2, 2024

Paul Wikstrom has asked the court to make a decision in the case because Curtis Johnson did not reply to the claims. If the court agrees, it could rule entirely in favor of Paul.

Notice of Audio Recording in Court
Dec 2, 2024

The media plans to record sound during some upcoming court hearings in your case. This means parts of your case proceedings may be captured on audio for public or media use.

Request to Dismiss the Election Contest
Nov 27, 2024

The other side has asked the court to stop the challenge to the election results. This means they want the contest against your election to be dismissed and not move forward.

Defendant Requests Case to Be Dismissed
Nov 27, 2024

Your attorney argues that the election contest should be dismissed because it was filed too late and the residency issue is not a valid reason to challenge the election. The goal is to have the entire contest thrown out so your case can be resolved quickly.

Curtis Johnson Affirms Residency Details
Nov 27, 2024

Curtis Johnson has provided information about where he has lived and the condition of his apartment. This helps support the case by explaining why he should be dismissed from it.

Exhibits Added to Your Case
Nov 27, 2024

New information about voter registration, school board members, and campaign contributions related to Curtis Johnson is now part of your case. This could provide important details that may support your position.

New evidence added to your case
Nov 27, 2024

232 pieces of information like photos, videos, and emails about the properties and people involved are now part of your case. This helps show details about who was at the locations and when, which could support your side.

Additional Information Provided by Elizabeth Guthrie
Nov 27, 2024

Elizabeth Guthrie has given more information related to voter registration and donations. This may help clarify facts important to your case.

Remote hearing scheduled for your case
Nov 27, 2024

A Zoom hearing about your case is set for December 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM. You will receive instructions on how to join the hearing, submit evidence, and get help if needed.

Counsel for parties select the Honorable Leonardo Castro as the judge for the matter
Nov 27, 2024
Answer due from Contestee Curtis Johnson in response to Notice of Election Contest.
Nov 27, 2024
Deadline for filing motion to dismiss the election contest
Nov 27, 2024
State Supreme Court Chief Justice presents list of judges to parties to select a judge
Nov 26, 2024
New lawyer officially joined the case
Nov 22, 2024

Curtis Johnson has a new lawyer who will now help with your case. This means there is an additional attorney involved in your defense.

Proof of Sending Important Notice
Nov 20, 2024

Someone officially sent a notice about your case to the other party. This confirms that the notice was properly mailed and received as required.

Challenge to Election Outcome Filed
Nov 20, 2024

Someone has formally questioned whether Curtis Johnson meets the residency rules required to hold the State Representative position. This means the election result might be reviewed or changed based on this challenge.

Proof that important papers were delivered
Nov 20, 2024

On November 20, 2024, key papers related to your case were officially handed over to the right person in charge. This means everyone involved knows about the election contest and your side is properly represented.

Observation Report on Apartment #103
Nov 20, 2024

Someone checked the status of apartment #103 and noted it has not been used or lived in recently. It also confirms Curtis Johnson is registered with a political group.

Notice Delivered to Opposing Party
Nov 20, 2024

Holly Campbell has officially sent the Notice of Election Contest to Curtis Johnson. This means the other side has been formally informed as required by law.

New Sworn Statement Submitted
Nov 20, 2024

Kristin Bakeman has provided a sworn statement about videos she took on October 18, 2024. This information might help support your case by giving more details about the location and items shown in the videos.

New observations on Curtis Johnson's locations
Nov 20, 2024

Chris Bakeman has shared detailed information about where Curtis Johnson has been and certain activities linked to him. This may provide useful facts for your case regarding Curtis Johnson's movements and property.

Notice About Election Contest Judges
Nov 20, 2024

You have been informed about the judges who can handle the election contest for House Seat 40B. This helps ensure the dispute is reviewed fairly and according to the rules.

Proof of Documents Delivered to Opponent
Nov 20, 2024

Someone officially gave important papers to Curtis Johnson about your case. This means the other side has been informed and your case can move forward.

New statement added from Elizabeth Guthrie
Nov 20, 2024

Someone has shared detailed observations about vehicles and conditions at specific locations related to your case. This information may help support your situation by providing additional facts.

New affidavit about property and utilities
Nov 20, 2024

Denise Kruse shared important details about the properties involved in your case and their utility services. This helps clarify facts about ownership and service status that are important for your situation.

Sworn Statement About Neighbor's Activities
Nov 20, 2024

Julie K. Nordstrom has shared a detailed account about her neighbor Curtis Johnson's behavior and routine in 2024. This information might help clarify facts related to your case.

Affidavit of Non Service
Nov 20, 2024

This affidavit states that the process server attempted to serve multiple documents related to the case Wikstrom v Johnson to Curtis Johnson at a specified address but was unable to effect personal service due to Curtis Johnson not residing at that address and arranging to meet elsewhere.

Proof of Mail Delivery Filed
Nov 20, 2024

Your legal notice was sent by certified mail to Curtis Johnson. This confirms that the notice was officially delivered as required by law.

Contestant Wikstrom requests a hearing on the Notice of Election Contest within 15 days after the filing of the Notice under Minn. Stat. § 209.10, subd. 3.
Nov 20, 2024
Contestant filed notice of election contest challenging residency
Nov 20, 2024
Seven days after service of Notice of Election Contest for Contestee to answer under Minn. Stat. § 209.03.
Nov 20, 2024
Contestant requests the Court to provide a decision recommending Curtis Johnson not be recognized as duly elected representative for District 40B by the first day of the next legislative session as required under Minn. Stat. § 209.10, subd. 3.
Nov 20, 2024
Failed Delivery Notice for Court Papers
Nov 19, 2024

The papers for your case could not be delivered because the address was incorrect. Someone will need to try delivering them again to the right place.

Proof Your Case Documents Were Delivered
Nov 19, 2024

The papers related to your case were officially delivered to the right place. This means the other side has been properly informed about your case.

Paul Wikstrom's Sworn Statement Added
Nov 19, 2024

Paul Wikstrom has given a sworn statement about his residency and activities related to a political campaign. This information may be important for your case concerning the residency of Curtis Johnson in Minnesota House District 40B.

Ramsey County Canvassing Board certified election results
Nov 13, 2024
General election for Minnesota State House District 40B
Nov 5, 2024