Special Election Set After MN Rep. Melissa Hortman’s Killing; Primary Planned for August

ST. PAUL, MN — A special election will be held this fall to fill the Minnesota House District 34B seat left vacant by the killing of State Rep. Melissa Hortman, officials announced Friday.

Gov. Tim Walz issued a writ of special election on Friday, scheduling the general election for Sept. 16, 2025. If needed, a special primary will be held on August 12 to determine party nominees.

House District 34B includes parts of Anoka and Hennepin counties.

Candidates hoping to fill the District 34B seat must file between July 15 and July 22 at 5 p.m. with the Secretary of State’s Office or the county auditors in Anoka or Hennepin counties. The deadline to withdraw is 5 p.m. on July 23.

Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed at their home on June 14. Authorities say the attack was part of a planned, politically motivated assault on Minnesota elected officials.

The accused gunman, Vance Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, remains in custody and faces both state and federal charges.

Investigators say Boelter posed as law enforcement and first shot state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their home. He then drove to the Hortmans’ residence, where he fatally shot Mark outside the front door before entering the home and killing Melissa.

Also read: Officer Let Boelter Go Before He Went On To Kill Hortmans, Federal Complaint Says