Minnesota Announces Special Election to Fill Vacant House Seat

BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota — Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 16, to fill the House District 34B seat left vacant by the assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman last month. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the special election on Friday.

The decision follows the tragic shooting deaths of Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home on June 14. An alleged shooter has been charged with their murders in both state and federal court.

If necessary, a special primary election will occur on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Candidates have from July 15 to July 22 to file the required paperwork with the Secretary of State or county auditors.

Brooklyn Park City Councilor Christian Eriksen has declared his intent to seek the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party endorsement for the vacant seat. “I know in our communities, this seat will endure as ‘Melissa’s Seat,’” Eriksen said during his announcement. “It is with great respect to her legacy… that I run for this office.”

Hortman served as the House DFL caucus leader until her death and was an influential figure in Minnesota politics over the past decade. She won her last election in 2024 by a significant 26 percentage points. With Republicans holding a slim 67-66 majority in the House, Democrats are keen to keep the seat and honor Hortman’s legacy.

No Republican candidates have announced their intention to run for the seat so far.