Special Election 34B – Speaker Emerita Hortman Seat

Following the horrific events of the early morning of June 14, including the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, Governor Tim Walz has called for a special election. A primary will be held on August 12, with the general special election on September 16. The following candidates have filed to run and will be on the ballot:

  • Xp Lee (DFL) – Received party endorsement
  • Christian Ericksen (DFL)
  • Erickson Saye (DFL)
  • Ruth Bittner (R) – Because she was the only Republican to file, she will not participate in the Primary Election.

Special Election 47 – Senator Nicole Mitchell Seat

On July 18, Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL-Woodbury) was convicted on two burglary-related charges stemming from an incident in April of 2024. She officially resigned her seat on July 25, triggering another special election. The Governor is expected to officially call for the special election in the coming weeks. However, both of the members of the Minnesota House of Representatives that reside in this district (Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Rep. Ethan Cha) have stated that they intend to run for the open seat. Should one of them win, a special election will then be needed to fill the open House seat. Republican Dwight Dorau has also announced that he intends to run for the Senate seat. He ran for the Senate against Mitchell in 2022, and for the House in 2024, losing both races. It is likely that additional candidates will also seek the Senate seat.

Special Election 29 – Senator Bruce Anderson Seat

On the same day that Sen. Mitchell announced her intent to resign on a future day, the Senate lost long-time member Sen. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo). Sen. Anderson served in the legislature for more than two decades, with long stints in both the House and Senate, passing away unexpectedly at the age of 75. Sen. Anderson was known as a voice for veterans and as a kind man for whom faith and family were always important. It is likely that this special election will be held on the same day as the Mitchell special election.

Sen. Fateh Mayoral Dream

This November, Minneapolis will choose a mayor, and Sen. Omar Fateh was endorsed by the DFL last weekend for that post. Sitting Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who is seeking another term, is contesting the endorsement as technology issues bogged down the endorsement process, with Frey supporters eventually leaving the convention prior to the successful vote to endorse Fateh. Should Fateh win the November mayoral election, another special session would be needed to fill his Senate seat, and once again, it is possible that a House member would seek the seat, meaning one more special election for the House as well.

Sen. Pratt to Seek Congress

With the expectation of an open Congressional seat in CD2 due to Congresswoman Angie Craig (DFL) seeking an open Senate seat, Republican state Sen. Eric Pratt has announced that he intends to run for Congress. Sen. Pratt is among the highest ranking members of his caucus and would likely be Chair of the Finance Committee if Minnesota Republicans were to take control of the Senate in 2026. However, Minnesota law forbids candidates from filing for two offices in the same election, so if Sen. Pratt receives the Republican nomination or decides to run in a primary election for Congress, he would have to give up his Senate seat. The Senate is currently DFL-controlled by the closest of margins, 34-33 (pending no changes following the special elections). Sen. Pratt’s DFL colleague, Sen. Matt Klein, previously announced his intention run for the Congressional seat as well. Thankfully, since this race isn’t on the ballot until 2026, no special elections will be needed.

July 28, 2025