Anoka County Prepares for Pivotal House District 34B Special Election and City Council Meetings

Anoka County Prepares for Pivotal House District 34B Special Election and City Council Meetings

ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. (September 15, 2025) — Anoka County residents are preparing for a significant day in local and state politics, with the special election for Minnesota House District 34B set for Tuesday, September 16, and the City of Anoka holding two City Council meetings today.

House District 34B Special Election

A special election will take place Tuesday to fill the Minnesota House of Representatives District 34B seat left vacant after the death of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was killed along with her husband in June.

The outcome carries major implications for the balance of power at the State Capitol. Republicans currently hold a 67-66 majority in the Minnesota House. A victory for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) would create a 67-67 tie, reshaping the dynamics of legislative negotiations.

The Candidates

• Xp Lee (DFL), a former Brooklyn Park City Council member, won the August 12 DFL primary with nearly 60% of the vote.
• Ruth Bittner (R), a real estate agent, was unopposed for the Republican nomination.

House District 34B encompasses parts of Brooklyn Park and Champlin in Hennepin County and Coon Rapids in Anoka County. The district has historically leaned Democratic, but turnout in special elections can be unpredictable.

Voting Information

• Election Day: Tuesday, September 16
• Polling Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Absentee Voting: In-person and mail-in absentee voting began September 2. Today, September 15, is the final day for absentee voting, available until 5:00 p.m. at designated sites, including the Anoka County Government Center and Coon Rapids City Hall.

City of Anoka Council Meetings

Alongside the high-profile election, the City of Anoka will hold two council meetings today at City Hall:

• Special Worksession at 6:00 p.m.
• Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Work Session Agenda

• Continued discussion on the operational dates for the Anoka Social District.

Regular Meeting Agenda

• Review and approval of minutes from the September 2 meeting.
• Police Activity Update.
• Consideration of a permit for the Anoka Vintage Fest.
• Discussion of the proposed 2026 budget and preliminary tax levy.
• First reading of an ordinance to approve a real estate lease for a parking ramp in connection with a senior housing corporation.

This pivotal week places Anoka County in the political spotlight, with both local governance and statewide legislative control hanging in the balance.

MinneapoliMedia