Three Special Elections This Fall

Minnesota politics is rarely quiet, but this fall, the State Legislature faces a series of extraordinary changes. In just a few short months, voters across three districts will be asked to choose new voices to represent them.

It begins on September 16, when voters in House District 34B will select a successor to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, whose assassination on June 14 shocked the state and left a deep void in the Capitol. After a primary last week, the race is now set between Xp Lee (DFL) and Ruth Bittner (R).

The spotlight then turns to the State Senate, where voters will fill two vacancies in special elections on November 4, following primaries on August 26:

Senate District 29, left vacant by the death of Senator Bruce Anderson on July 21. Republicans Rachel Davis, Michael Holmstrom Jr., and Bradley Kurtz are competing for their party's nomination to face Democrat Louis McNutt in the general election.

Senate District 47, once represented by Senator Nicole Mitchell, who resigned after a felony burglary conviction in early August. Democrats Ethan Cha and Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger will face off in a primary to challenge Republican Dwight Dorau in November.

Why these races matter:

With the House and Senate margins so slim, each outcome could tilt the balance of power and shape the direction of Minnesota's legislative agenda for years to come. Behind the headlines are communities ready to decide who will carry their priorities forward, and candidates stepping into races defined by both tragedy and controversy.

This fall's elections are more than just dates on a calendar—they are a turning point in Minnesota's political narrative. Whether you live in these districts or simply care about the future of our state, these contests deserve attention, engagement, and, most importantly, your vote.