Democratic Candidate XP Lee Wins Special Election in Minnesota

Democrats have regained a legislative seat once held by former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, as XP Lee, the Democratic candidate, edged out Republican Ruth Bitner in a special election held on Tuesday.

Lee’s victory in a district leaning blue means that both parties now have equal representation in Minnesota’s House, each holding 67 seats. This outcome disrupts the power dynamics established after Democrats lost their majority in the 2024 elections.

Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, remarked on the situation, expressing his determination to “stay in the fight” as he enters his third term.

The special election came just a week after the tragic murder of Melissa Hortman, which had reignited public attention on political violence and its consequences.

Prosecutors allege that the shooter, Vance Bolter, posed as a police officer during what they have branded a “political assassination.” He not only killed Hortman and her husband, Mark, but also wounded fellow senators John Hoffman and Yvette. Such violence has deeply impacted the community, creating a somber atmosphere surrounding the election.

XP Lee, who was born in a refugee camp in Thailand after his family fled the Vietnam War, shared that he felt compelled to run for office. He cited Hortman’s legacy as a significant motivator in his campaign. “If it wasn’t for Melissa Hortman’s murder, I wouldn’t have been running. I’m highly aware of political and gun violence, and I want to help our community heal,” Lee stated.

On the other side, Republican candidate Ruth Bitner acknowledged Hortman’s unique impact on the community, emphasizing that they wouldn’t attempt to replace her.

The state has recently been shaken by other violence, including a tragic shooting last month that resulted in the deaths of two young children and injured 21 others at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.