Xp Lee Reflects on Campaign, Looks to Future After Special Election Win
Xp Lee won the House District 34B Special Election with more than 60 percent of the vote on Tuesday night. Now, the Democrat from Brooklyn Park said he’s ready to continue the work of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman.
Lee will fill Hortman’s former seat left vacant after she, her husband and dog were shot in their home in June. Prosecutors called the attack “politically-motivated.”
Lee was neighbors with the Hortman family. He said the campaign moved quickly once it got rolling.
“Keeping a focus on our strategy and hitting the ground and talking to people,” Lee said. “That’s really what pulled us through.”
Xiongpao Lee, or Xp Lee, won with 4,331 votes, while his opponent, Republican Ruth Bittner, received 2,785 votes.
House 34B includes parts of Brooklyn Park and Champlin in Hennepin County, and parts of Coon Rapids in Anoka County.
“I am super, super focused on trying to learn as much as I can, and do the best work that I can with everyone,” Lee said.
Representative-elect Xp Lee spoke with CCX Media after his win on Wednesday.
Lee said as he takes office, he’s pulling inspiration from his predecessor.
“Something that made Melissa well known was her working across the aisle, and really talking to all constituents. So that’s something I really want to continue to do, to learn from them as much as possible. I’ve had great conversations with folks who probably didn’t vote for me during the campaign, knocking on doors. So we might have differences in terms of approach, but it’s really great to know where they’re coming from,” Lee said.
He said his policy priorities include passing legislation to prevent firearm violence. He also plans to work on public safety, education, health care, clean energy and infrastructure, and environmental conservation.
Lee previously served in the Brooklyn Park City Council from 2022 until 2024.
His win brings the Minnesota House of Representatives back to a 67-67 tie between Republicans and Democrats.
Also see: DFL State Rep. Mike Freiberg Announces Run for State Senate
