A Fourth Candidate, And First Republican, Ruth Bittner, Joins The Race To Fill Late Rep. Hortman’s Vacant House Seat
BROOKLYN PARK, MN — July 22, 2025 — The special election to fill the House District 34B seat left vacant by the tragic death of longtime Representative and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman continues to take shape. This week, Ruth Bittner, a Coon Rapids business owner, became the fourth candidate—and the first Republican—to officially file for the seat, setting the stage for a competitive race in a district long dominated by the DFL.
Bittner’s filing introduces a new dynamic into the contest, as three DFL candidates—Erickson Saye, Xp Lee, and Christian Eriksen—jockey for position ahead of a potential primary.
Where the Race Stands
The special election, scheduled by Governor Tim Walz for September 12, will determine who succeeds Rep. Hortman, who represented the northern suburbs for over two decades. A DFL primary is set for August 12 should more than one Democratic candidate qualify—an outcome now virtually certain.
Ruth Bittner, while not yet publicly outlining her platform, has filed as the sole Republican entrant to date. Her candidacy ensures that voters in the general election will have a partisan choice, even in a district that has reliably backed Democrats by significant margins.
Who Is Ruth Bittner?
Publicly known as a small business owner from Coon Rapids, Bittner enters the race with limited statewide political exposure. However, her early filing signals a proactive move by the GOP to contest the open seat—an opportunity made more visible by the absence of an incumbent and the high-profile nature of the vacancy.
Campaign observers expect more detailed statements from Bittner in the coming days as she begins engaging with constituents and outlining her policy vision.
A Crowded DFL Field
Bittner will face the winner of a closely watched DFL primary between:
Erickson Saye, a Hennepin County assistant attorney and Brooklyn Park resident;
Xp Lee, a former Brooklyn Park city council member;
Christian Eriksen, a current Brooklyn Park city council member.
The DFL has scheduled an endorsement convention for July 21, where party delegates will have the opportunity to coalesce around a single candidate before the August 12 primary.
Why It Matters
House District 34B, which covers parts of Brooklyn Park and neighboring communities, has been a DFL stronghold. Rep. Hortman had represented the area since 2005 and regularly won re-election with margins exceeding 20 percentage points. Yet, the open seat—combined with shifting suburban demographics and an energized GOP—has created a rare opening for cross-party engagement in a previously uncompetitive district.
The outcome will not only determine Hortman’s successor but could also serve as an early barometer of voter sentiment heading into the 2026 legislative cycle.
Key Election Dates
Event
Date
DFL Endorsement Meeting
July 21, 2025
DFL Primary (if needed)
August 12, 2025
Special General Election
September 12, 2025
MinneapoliMedia will continue to provide ongoing coverage of this race—including candidate interviews, campaign developments, and election outcomes—as the 34B special election season unfolds.
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