Democrat XP Lee wins Minnesota House special election to replace assassinated leader
- Democrat Xp Lee secured victory in a special election held Tuesday to succeed Melissa Hortman in the Minnesota House following her assassination in Brooklyn Park.
- The election followed the June 14 shooting that killed Hortman and her husband, which authorities called a politically motivated assassination.
- Lee, who previously served on the Brooklyn Park City Council, won the election against Republican challenger Ruth Bittner in a district that strongly favors Democrats.
- Lee’s victory reestablishes an even split of 67-67 in the Minnesota House, maintaining the power-sharing arrangement negotiated by Hortman that governed much of the 2025 legislative session.
- The election result indicates that Democrats retain their influence as the Legislature prepares to convene an urgent session addressing gun violence amid ongoing safety concerns.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Democrat Xp Lee wins special election to fill seat of slain Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman
Democrat Xp Lee won a special election Tuesday for a seat previously held by the late state Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated in June. Lee's win also restores a tie in the Minnesota House.


Democrat wins special election for murdered Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman’s seat
‘I will work hard every day to carry forward Speaker Melissa Hortman’s legacy,’ Democrat Xp Lee said after his electoral victory Tuesday
In special election, DFL holds Melissa Hortman’s House seat; chamber returns to a tie
DFL candidate Xp Lee has won the special election for the Minnesota House seat left vacant after the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, restoring the balance of power in the chamber to a 67-67 tie between Democrats and Republicans. Unofficial results Tuesday night showed Lee had a decisive lead, with 61% of the vote to Republican Ruth Bittner’s 39% with all District 34B precincts reporting results. Polls closed at 8 p.m. and …
Democrat XP Lee wins special election to fill State Rep. Melissa Hortman's seat
ST. PAUL (KVRR/AP) — XP Lee has won the special election for House District 34b, that is the district represented by the late Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman. She and her husband were fatally shot in June in a politically motivated assassination. Lee, a Democrat, is a former Brooklyn Park city council member. “I am honored to have been elected...
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