Minnesota Holds Special Election After Politically Motivated Assassination of State Representative.

Democrat Xp Lee Wins Special Election to Fill Melissa Hortman's Seat After Tragedy

Xp Lee, a Democrat, has won a special election in Minnesota to fill the state House seat previously held by Melissa Hortman, the former state House Speaker who was tragically killed in June along with her husband. The election, held on Tuesday, saw Lee defeat Republican Ruth Bittner, maintaining Democratic control of the seat and restoring an even divide in the state House.

The Shadow of Political Violence

The special election was held under the cloud of heightened political violence, following the deaths of Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Authorities allege that Vance Boelter, charged with the Hortmans’ murders, had a list of targets, including Democratic lawmakers and abortion rights advocates.

"We are in very, very scary times, and we definitely need to get out of this trajectory that we’re on here," said Ruth Bittner to the Associated Press during her campaign.

The candidates acknowledged the tense environment, with Bittner noting that some residents were hesitant to open their doors. Lee described the political climate as a "charged atmosphere" after Kirk's killing. Both candidates emphasized the importance of civility and moving forward despite the recent tragedies.

Candidates' Perspectives and Platforms

Xp Lee, a health equity analyst and former Brooklyn Park city council member, stated that he ran to "take up" Hortman's "legacy of leadership." He aims to honor her by serving to the best of his abilities. Lee also expressed support for measures to reduce gun violence, including a ban on automatic and semiautomatic weapons.

Ruth Bittner, a real estate agent, campaigned on restoring civility and offering a "moderate voice." She expressed that the rise in political violence briefly made her question running for office but ultimately decided: “We can’t cower.” She believes it's essential to "embrace the system that we have of representative government."

Impact and Aftermath

Lee's victory returns the Minnesota state House to an even split between Republicans and Democrats. Legislators are anticipating a special session to address the Catholic school shooting last month in Minneapolis. Lee, who was born in a refugee camp, highlighted his background and emphasized his desire to build upon Hortman's achievements in the legislature.

The election served as a reminder of the deep divisions and anxieties present in the country. Democrats and others questioned President Trump's differing reactions to Hortman’s and Kirk's deaths. Some felt he did not adequately acknowledge Hortman's death, and his blaming of the "radical left" after Kirk's killing was unhelpful. Gov. Tim Walz’s spokeswoman, Claire Lancaster, stated, "The Governor wishes President Trump would be a President for all Americans.”