Full Breakdown
Minnesota Special Election: Xp Lee Fills Seat of Slain Lawmaker Melissa Hortman
9/17/2025, 5:55:54 AM
Election Results and Context
On September 16, 2025, Democrat Xp Lee won a special election to fill the Minnesota House seat previously held by Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated in June. Lee secured 60.82% of the vote against Republican Ruth Bittner, who received 39.11%. This election restored a 67-67 tie in the Minnesota House of Representatives, preserving a power-sharing agreement that had been established following the 2024 elections when Democrats lost their majority.
Background on the Assassination
Melissa Hortman, a former House speaker, and her husband, Mark, were killed in their Brooklyn Park home on June 14, 2025, by Vance Boelter, who is charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. The incident, described by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as a “politically motivated assassination,” also involved the shooting of state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who survived. The violence surrounding the political climate has raised concerns among lawmakers and voters alike, particularly following the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.
Xp Lee's Profile and Campaign
Xp Lee, born in a refugee camp in Thailand, previously served on the Brooklyn Park City Council and works as a health equity analyst for the Minnesota Department of Health. His campaign emphasized honoring Hortman's legacy and addressing issues such as healthcare and education disparities. Lee stated, “I have never lost sight of the situation that brought us to this moment, and I will work hard every day to carry forward Speaker Melissa Hortman’s legacy.”
Political Implications
Lee's victory is significant not only for restoring the balance in the Minnesota House but also for the upcoming special session that Governor Walz plans to convene, focusing on gun control measures in response to recent violent incidents, including a shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school that resulted in two fatalities. The power-sharing arrangement in the House requires bipartisan cooperation to pass legislation, a dynamic that was initially brokered by Hortman.
Official Statements and Responses
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin expressed his support for Lee, stating, “Xp's commitment to expanding access to education, affordable health care, and good-paying jobs honors the legacy of our dear friend, Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman.” Minnesota DFL Chair Richard Carlbom echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to denounce political violence and uphold the values that Hortman represented.
Criticism and Opposition
Republican candidate Ruth Bittner acknowledged the tense political climate, stating that the recent violence made her hesitate about running for office but ultimately decided that “there’s no way to solve this problem if we shrink back in fear.” Bittner aims to present herself as a fresh voice focused on improving public safety and government efficiency.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the election results are clear, the broader implications of Lee's victory and the potential for legislative action on gun control remain uncertain, especially given the divided nature of the Minnesota House. The ongoing legal proceedings against Vance Boelter also raise questions about the impact of political violence on future elections and governance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Across Minnesota, our hearts are still broken by the horrific assassination that stole Melissa and her husband Mark. Political violence is a scourge that has taken far too many lives. Enough is enough. It must end now. And in every case, each of us has a responsibility to condemn and reject political violence wherever it rears its head.” — Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee Chair
- “You know, I wouldn't be running if it wasn't for the murder of Melissa Hortman.” — Xp Lee, Minnesota House Representative-elect
- “we have to move forward as a country” — Ruth Bittner, Republican candidate
Lee's election marks a pivotal moment in Minnesota politics, reflecting the ongoing challenges and concerns surrounding political violence and the need for effective governance in a divided legislature.