Xp Lee Secures DFL Nomination to Succeed Slain Rep. Melissa Hortman
Former Brooklyn Park council member to face Republican newcomer Ruth Bittner in high-stakes September special election
BROOKLYN PARK, MN — In an election marked by both grief and resolve, Xp Lee, a former Brooklyn Park City Council member, has won the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) nomination for Minnesota House District 34B. The August 12, 2025 special primary follows the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman in June — a political and personal loss that shook Minnesota to its core.
District 34B, which includes portions of Brooklyn Park, Champlin, and Coon Rapids, has long been a Democratic stronghold. Yet with the September 16 special general election now looming, political analysts caution that the shortened campaign timeline and heightened political tensions could make this race more competitive than recent cycles.
A Commanding Victory for Lee
Xp Lee — Former Brooklyn Park City Council member.
Lee defeated two fellow Democrats in a decisive win: Christian Eriksen, a sitting Brooklyn Park City Council member, and Erickson Saye, a Hennepin County prosecutor.
Certified results from the City of Brooklyn Park:
Xp Lee — 1,186 votes (≈59.15%)
Christian Eriksen — 489 votes (≈24.39%)
Erickson Saye — 330 votes (≈16.46%)
Lee, who has built a career in community engagement and health equity, framed his campaign as both a continuation of Hortman’s legacy and a pledge to confront the urgent issues facing the district.
“This isn’t just about winning a seat,” Lee told supporters on election night. “It’s about honoring Melissa’s life’s work — standing up for our community with courage, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to progress.”
Republicans Back First-Time Candidate
On the Republican side, Ruth Bittner, a Brooklyn Park real estate agent and political newcomer, advanced unopposed. She received 209 votes in the uncontested primary and now faces the challenge of flipping a seat the GOP has not held since 2018.
Bittner has positioned herself as an outsider committed to “bringing a fresh voice to St. Paul” — a sharp contrast to Lee’s record of public service.
Low Turnout Reflects Special Election Reality
Special primaries in Minnesota routinely draw fewer voters, and Tuesday’s turnout was no exception. CCX Media projected participation between 7–10%, while Mshale later reported fewer than 5% of the district’s 26,540 registered voters cast a ballot. Political strategists on both sides say the key to victory in September will be mobilizing supporters in what could be a low-turnout contest.
Melissa Hortman’s Enduring Legacy
Melissa Hortman’s name was synonymous with principled leadership in Minnesota politics. First elected to the Minnesota House in 2004, she represented District 34B for nearly two decades. As House Speaker from 2019 to 2024 and later Speaker Emerita, Hortman championed causes ranging from education funding and workers’ rights to climate action and infrastructure development.
Colleagues praised her as a rare blend of strategic thinker and empathetic listener, capable of navigating political divides without compromising her values. Her legislative skill and unwavering commitment to her constituents earned her respect across party lines.
Her assassination in June 2025, alongside her husband, was part of a string of violent political attacks that stunned the state and reignited urgent conversations about the safety of public officials.
“Melissa didn’t just hold office,” one longtime DFL colleague reflected. “She embodied the best of public service — she fought for people, even when it wasn’t easy.”
September 16: Beyond a Local Contest
The September special general election will decide more than just who speaks for District 34B. With the Minnesota House currently tied 67–67, the outcome could influence the balance of power and shape the legislative agenda heading into the 2026 elections.
For voters, the choice will be stark: a seasoned local leader promising continuity and progressive momentum, or a fresh Republican voice seeking to disrupt the status quo.
The stakes are clear. The seat is open. The countdown to September 16 has begun.
65° and Sunny
