Democrat Xp Lee has won the special election to replace slain Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, restoring a tied Minnesota House. The race concluded on September 17, 2025, with Lee’s victory balancing the chamber at 67-67 seats.
- Democrat Xp Lee wins Minnesota House seat
- Special election fills slain lawmaker's vacancy
- Minnesota House remains evenly split at 67-67
- House deadlocked after recent election outcomes
- News coverage from multiple sources including CNN and NY Times
On September 17, 2025, Democrat Xp Lee secured the seat left vacant after the tragic death of Melissa Hortman. His victory restores the House’s 67-67 deadlock, making the chamber evenly divided. This outcome impacts legislative negotiations and power dynamics in Minnesota. The election was closely watched as it determined whether Democrats or Republicans would hold a majority. Lee’s win ensures a balanced chamber, requiring bipartisan cooperation for lawmaking.
- Xp Lee’s victory fills the vacancy left by Hortman’s death.
- The election results in a 67-67 tie, affecting House control.
- This balance demands bipartisan efforts for passing laws.
- The outcome influences Minnesota’s legislative agenda moving forward.
This result underscores the fragile political balance in Minnesota, with future negotiations likely to be more complex. Both parties will need to collaborate closely to pass legislation and govern effectively.
The election’s outcome highlights the importance of every seat in the chamber, shaping Minnesota’s legislative future.
