Summary
A special election is being held in a Minnesota suburb to fill a state House seat left vacant after former Speaker Melissa Hortman was killed in a politically motivated attack. The race is between Democrat Xp Lee and Republican Ruth Bittner and could impact which party controls the Minnesota House. This comes after recent political violence raised concerns nationally.
Key Facts
- Melissa Hortman, a former Minnesota state House Speaker, was killed in an attack in June 2025.
- The suspect, Vance Boelter, allegedly targeted Democratic politicians and faces several charges.
- The election race is between Democrat Xp Lee and Republican Ruth Bittner.
- The outcome could change the balance of power in the Minnesota House.
- If Lee wins, it could lead to a tie in the House, maintaining a bipartisan power-sharing agreement.
- If Bittner wins, Republicans would gain full control for the first time since 2018.
- President Trump received criticism for his differing responses to recent political violence.
- Governor Walz criticized Trump for not honoring Hortman in the same way as others.
