Candidate's Death Won't Change Date Of MN 2nd District Election

EAGAN, MN — The death of Paula Overby, the Legal Marijuana Now Party candidate for Congress in Minnesota's Second District, will not change the date of the election.

Overby died Wednesday, marking the second time in two campaign cycles that the Legal Marijuana Now candidate in the Second District passed away.

In 2020, candidate Adam Weeks died weeks before the November election, triggering a legal battle over whether the election should be delayed. Under state law, the election should have been delayed.

However, a federal judge ruled that the election had to take place on Nov. 3, as scheduled. According to the court, Minnesota’s statute governing vacancies is preempted by federal law and can not apply to a race for U.S. Congress.

That same ruling will apply to the 2022 election.

"In the absence of any other court order, the November 8, 2022 ballots will remain as printed, and the Congressional District 2 election will proceed as scheduled on November 8, 2022," said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon on Wednesday.

Democratic Rep. Angie Craig and her Republican challenger, Tyler Kistner, offered condolences for Overby's family.

"Cheryl and I were saddened to hear of Paula Overby’s passing this morning, and we are sending our deepest condolences to Paula’s family and friends at this difficult time," Craig said. "Minnesota is better for her involvement in our community and she will be missed."

"This is a very sad day for Minnesota's Second District," wrote Kistner. "Paula Overby cared deeply about our state, and the principles she believed in. It was an honor to have gotten to know Paula. My thoughts and prayers go out to Paula's family and friends during this difficult time."

The candidate's son, Tyler, told Minnesota Public Radio that Overby was recently hospitalized with a heart valve problem.