Democrat Xp Lee wins special election to fill seat of assassinated Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman

Democrat Xp Lee won a special election for a Minnesota House seat previously held by the late Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated in June. Lee defeated Republican Ruth Bittner with 61% of the vote, restoring a 67-67 tie in the Minnesota House.

The election took place following a tragic incident where Hortman and her husband were killed by a man impersonating a police officer in Brooklyn Park. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot but survived.

The attack was part of broader political violence, including the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Both Lee and Bittner acknowledged the tense political atmosphere.

Lee, a former Brooklyn Park City Council member, emphasized his commitment to creating opportunities for Minnesota families. His victory maintains a power-sharing agreement in the House that was originally negotiated by Hortman before her death.

Under the current arrangement, the House has an even split between Republicans and Democrats, requiring bipartisan cooperation to pass legislation.