MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Republicans roared back from puny minorities on Tuesday to take control of both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature for the first time in 38 years.

GOP candidates snatched 16 Senate seats from Democrats in a stunning turnaround for a caucus that faced a veto-proof Democratic majority for the past two years. Republicans picked up at least 12 House seats, with another race too close to call and three more close enough to trigger pleasure running for the Senate seat.

“I’m very proud of the race that we ran,” she said. “I think we were really able to bring to the forefront the concerns of the state.”

One of the major concerns is the state budget, which she said she hopes legislators will be able to look at earlier in the session in the future.

She noted she is also pleased with her campaign committee and the people who worked hard for campaign.

“I have a huge appreciation for the people who live in District 27,” Green said. “We’re a special district.”

Sparks received 61 percent of votes in Freeborn County, while Green received 39 percent.