In a closely watched special election in Minnesota, Democrat Xp Lee has won the seat for House District 34B, filling the vacancy left by the assassination of former state Rep. Melissa Hortman.
Lee defeated Republican Ruth Bittner with approximately 60.8 % of the vote to Bittner’s 39.1 %, according to results from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. With his swearing‑in, the Minnesota House will return to a 67–67 tie between the Democratic‑Farmer‑Labor (DFL) Party and Republicans.
Background and Context
The District 34B seat opened earlier this year after a tragic and shocking event: on June 14, 2025, former Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in their home by a man posing as a law enforcement officer. The crime sent shockwaves through Minnesota politics and cast a pall of uncertainty over control of the state House.
At the time of Hortman’s death, the Minnesota House was already evenly split, with 67 members from each party. The special election thus held outsized symbolic and tactical importance: a DFL win would restore the tie and preserve the fragile power‑sharing arrangement in the chamber.
Xp Lee, a health equity analyst at the Minnesota Department of Health and former Brooklyn Park city councilor, emerged as the DFL candidate after winning the August 12 primary against two other Democrats. He emphasized his personal story, having been born in a refugee camp and later immigrating to the U.S. He pledged to honor Hortman’s legacy by focusing on issues like health care, education, and community investment.
Implications of the Result
Lee’s victory preserves the delicate balance of power in Minnesota’s lower chamber. Under the tie, committee leadership is equally split, requiring bipartisan cooperation to pass legislation. Had Bittner won, Republicans would have secured a majority and held more leverage over legislative agendas, including on subjects like school safety and gun violence.
Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders had already flagged proposals for special sessions focused on gun violence, school safety, and security measures in the wake of rising concerns around political violence. With the House now at full strength again, Lee will join these debates as the next session approaches.
Lee’s win also draws attention to his identity and background. As a member of the Hmong community, Lee is among the representatives bringing more diversity to Minnesota’s legislature. His ascent offers a narrative of inclusion and opportunity after a tragic vacancy. “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.”
As Minnesota braces for further special elections in the Senate this November, the state’s political balance remains in flux. Meanwhile, Lee’s arrival in the House is seen as a stabilizing moment amid a period of deep uncertainty and heightened scrutiny.
