On September 17, 2025, Minnesota Special Elections Results were held in District 34B, where Democrat Xp Lee narrowly defeated his competitor to succeed the late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who had been assassinated in June, to replace her husband. When Lee defeated Republican Ruth Bittner 60-61% of the vote, a 67-67 balance in the Minnesota House was revived, reviving an agreement of power sharing and placing the state in the limelight of the country. In a context of increased political violence, such as the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the victory of Lee is going viral on venues like X, which is a representation of resilience and a call to mend a divided community. Now, we can sink into the meaning of the election, the campaign paths of the candidates, and why this result has a ripple effect even outside Brooklyn Park.
A Solemn Election Born of Tragedy
The outrageous June 14, 2025, murder of Melissa Hortman, a Democratic heavyweight and Minnesota House Speaker since 2019, and her husband, Mark, necessitated the special election. Vance Boelter, an aged man masquerading as a police officer, killed the couple in their Brooklyn Park residence together with their golden retriever, Gilbert. The same night, Boelter also shot and injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, and authorities, including Governor Tim Walz, noted that it was a politically related assassination. The alleged target of the deeds and the proclaimed murderer and attempted murderer, Boelter, targeted the Democrats and those supporting the cause of pro-choice, and his vehicle contained almost 70 names on a hit list. The death of Hortman left House District 34B, a Democratic stronghold that includes Brooklyn Park, Champlin, and some of Coon Rapids, without its favorite representative. Her reputation as a negotiator who facilitated a 2025 power-sharing agreement when the House was evenly divided cast a massive shadow on this election, and Minnesota needed to overcome it. The victory that was called by the Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ helps to secure the balanced state of the chamber without breaking bipartisan cooperation in the tense political environment.
Key context of the election:
– Hortman’s assassination: June 14, 2025, is characterized by political violence toward democrats.
– District 34B: It is highly Democratic, with 64 percent of the Brooklyn Park voters in favor of Democrats.
– House Balance: Lee beats House, restoring power-sharing to a 67-67 tie.
– Political Climate: After Charlie Kirk was shot, and a shooting in a Minneapolis church.
– Stakes: Prepares for a possible special meeting on gun violence.
Xp Lee: Carrying the Torch
Xp Lee, a health equity analyst at the Minnesota Department of Health and former Brooklyn Park City Council member (2022-2024), emerged as the Democratic nominee after winning a three-candidate primary in August with 59% of the vote. Born in a Thai refugee camp to Hmong parents fleeing the Vietnam War, Lee’s story resonates with Minnesota’s diverse suburbs. A neighbor of Hortman, he often saw her walking her dog, a personal connection that fueled his campaign to honor her legacy. Lee campaigned alongside heavyweights like Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar, emphasizing education, healthcare, and gun control; issues Hortman championed.
Lee’s victory speech was heartfelt: “I am honored to have been elected to represent my neighbors in Brooklyn Park, Champlin, and Coon Rapids. 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.” His platform includes expanding state-sponsored health insurance, investing in public education, and supporting restrictions on assault weapons, aligning with Hortman’s progressive priorities.
Lee’s campaign highlights:
– Background: Hmong-American, born in a Thai refugee camp, health equity strategist.
– Primary Win: Secured 59% in August 2025, beating two Democrats.
– Platform: Education, affordable healthcare, gun violence prevention.
– Personal Tie: Neighbor to Hortman, motivated by her assassination.
– Support: Backed by Walz, Klobuchar, and DNC Chair Ken Martin.
Ruth Bittner: A Voice for Choice
Republican candidate Ruth Bittner, a real estate agent and political newcomer, ran unopposed in her primary. Her campaign focused on offering voters an alternative, advocating for reduced state spending, cracking down on fraud in state benefits, and investing in law enforcement. Bittner acknowledged Hortman’s unique impact, telling Minnesota Public Radio, “We will not be trying to replace her.” Despite the district’s Democratic lean, Bittner’s resolve was tested by recent political violence, including Kirk’s assassination, which briefly gave her pause. She told the AP, “We can’t cower,” emphasizing courage in a “charged atmosphere.”
Bittner’s campaign points:
– Profile: Real estate agent, first-time candidate.
– Platform: Lower taxes, anti-fraud measures, law enforcement support.
– Response to Violence: Persisted despite fears post-Kirk assassination.
– Respect for Hortman: Honored her legacy, avoided direct replacement rhetoric.
– Challenge: Faced an uphill battle in a blue-leaning district.
Why the Election Is Trending
The result of the special election is trending on X and even higher as it has an emotional and political tinge to it. Minnesota Election and XpLee are trending, and posts are being made celebrating the victory of Lee as a tragedy to triumph. The election, which took place several days after Kirk was killed, fuels concerns of political violence, and users have lamented a charged environment. The post by one X post, where he said, Xp Lee wins will help heal after Hortman lost the case, has received a response of 10,000 likes. One more user commented, Minnesota is strong; Lee is the bearer of Hortman’s torch. It was during a shooting at a Minneapolis church where two children were killed that made this timing the issue behind a special session on gun laws, something that Lee and Governor Walz made a priority.
Reasons for trending:
– Emotional Resonance: Lee’s win is a tribute to Hortman after she was assassinated.
– Political Interests: Cancels House tie 67-67, affects 2026 session. ‘
– Violence Context: This occurs after the shooting of Kirk and the church shooting, which increases fears.
– X Buzz: Minnesota Election trends with 500,000 mentions.
– Policy Consequence: Strengthens Democratic initiative in gun control.
The Hortman Legacy and Future of Minnesota
Melissa Hortman was a 20-year House veteran who was a hardcore supporter of solar energy, abortion rights, police reform, and gun control. Her pragmatic leadership style was revealed in a Democratic boycott that ended after her 2025 power-sharing deal. Her assassination, among other acts of violence, has fueled discussions on the issue of political security. The win of Lee will make her priorities, education, healthcare, and safety, top of the agenda, particularly with Governor Walz looking to a special session on school security. It is the tie in the House that predetermines the controversial 2026 session when all 134 seats will be at stake. Democratic National Committee Leader, Ken Martin, stated, Xp is carrying on the legacy of our beloved and excellent friend, Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman, by committing to increasing access to education, affordable healthcare, and good-paying jobs. Political violence is a vice that should come to a stop.
Conclusion
The triumph of Xp Lee in the special election in Minnesota is not just a political victory; it is a hope to the nation in a state that has been marred by violence. Trying to bring order to the House again and promising to exercise the mantle of Hortman, Lee provides a way of healing. This election reminds us that resilience and togetherness can prevail, as Minnesota mourns its loss and the entire country observes it. X updates will be provided, with the Minnesota Election still trending about.
