Minnesota Special Election: XP Lee and Ruth Bittner Await Results for Crucial House Seat

Voters in Minnesota’s District 34B cast their ballots yesterday in a pivotal special election to fill the House seat left vacant by the tragic assassination of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. The closely watched race pits Democrat XP Lee against Republican Ruth Bittner, with the outcome poised to significantly impact the state legislature’s balance of power.

The election holds particular weight, as a victory for Democrat Lee in the district — considered blue-leaning — would restore the Minnesota House to a 67-67 deadlock. Both candidates have concluded their campaigns, with Lee having received support from Gov. Tim Walz on September 11, 2025, and Bittner actively engaging voters through late August.

The campaign unfolded against a somber backdrop of heightened political violence, a recurring theme since Hortman’s murder in June and amplified by recent events like the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Both Lee and Bittner acknowledged the community’s anxieties, with Lee emphasizing healing and addressing gun violence, while Bittner stressed the need to move forward despite fear.

XP Lee, a former Brooklyn Park City Council member, campaigned on continuing Hortman’s legacy and improving education and healthcare access. Ruth Bittner, a real estate agent, positioned herself as a new voice focused on government efficiency, public safety, and education, seeking to honor Hortman’s memory without attempting to replace her unique presence.

Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed at their Brooklyn Park home in June. The alleged perpetrator, Vance Boelter, faces charges of politically motivated assassinations, reportedly having impersonated a police officer and possessing a list of numerous elected officials and abortion providers as potential targets, underscoring the chilling context of this special election.

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