Capitol Corner August 2025

As summer winds down and fall approaches, Minnesota’s political landscape is preparing for a series of special elections. Following a tragic June marked by the assassinations of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, the conviction and resignation of a Woodbury state senator, and the unexpected passing of longtime Republican Senator Bruce Anderson, the Legislature now faces three special elections to fill the vacant House and Senate seats.

Special Election in 34B

Governor Walz has announced the dates for both the Primary and Special Elections to fill the seat left vacant by Hortman. The Primary was held on August 12, and the Special Election is set for September 16. The DFL nominee is Brooklyn Park City Councilmember XP Lee, who will face Republican candidate Ruth Bittner. Political observers widely expect the 34B seat to remain in DFL hands, as the district has steadily trended toward the party in recent years. With the Minnesota House currently divided 67–66, a Lee victory would bring the chamber back to an even split.

SD47 and SD29 Special Elections

The sudden passing of GOP Senator Bruce Anderson, who represented Minnesota’s Senate District 29, has left colleagues, constituents, and friends deeply saddened. Senator Anderson, 75, dedicated three decades of service to the Minnesota Legislature, first elected to the House in 1994 and later to the Senate in 2012. Senate District 29, which encompasses the northwestern suburbs of the Twin Cities—including Buffalo and Annandale—has consistently leaned Republican, with recent election margins of +15 to +20. Given this strong track record, the seat is widely expected to remain in GOP hands.

Gov. Tim Walz has announced that special elections to fill vacancies in Districts 29 and 47 will take place on November 4, with primaries scheduled for August 26. In District 29, three Republicans — Rachel Davis, Michael Holmstrom Jr., and Bradley Kurtz — will face off, while Louis McNutt will run unopposed for the DFL. District 47 will feature one Republican candidate, Dwight Dorau, along with two DFL contenders, Representatives Ethan Cha and Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger.

Representative Her to Challenge Mayor Carter

Earlier this month, State Representative Kaohly Vang Her announced her candidacy for St. Paul Mayor, challenging incumbent Melvin Carter in the November 2025 election. Carter is completing his second term as mayor of Minnesota’s capital city. Her currently serves as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and as Co-Chair of the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

With her announcement, we may need to prepare for additional special elections in 2025. If Senator Fateh, who is running for Mayor of Minneapolis, is successful in unseating Mayor Jacob Frey, or if she defeats Mayor Carter, special elections will be required to fill their vacant seats before the Legislature reconvenes for the regular session in February.

Capitol Security Concerns on the Rise

A recent after-hours breach, in which a man gained entry to the State Capitol, has heightened concerns about safety for lawmakers and executive branch officials conducting business in St. Paul. Attention is also turning to the security needs of members when working outside the Capitol. The Minnesota State Patrol has begun the process of hiring an independent firm to assess security across the Capitol Complex. As one of the few state capitols in the nation without security checkpoints or metal detectors, it appears increasingly likely that new security protocols will be in place when the Legislature reconvenes in February.

Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan chairs the commission tasked with making recommendations on Capitol security. The commission is required to meet at least four times annually, with security enhancements now at the forefront of its agenda.

Earlier this month, legislative leaders and the Governor also convened to discuss next steps. For years, lawmakers resisted measures that could limit public access to what is often called the “People’s House.” But rising threats to elected officials and the assassination of Speaker Hortman have shifted the tone dramatically. In response, House and Senate leadership announced that state funds will be made available to help offset the cost of installing security systems at members’ homes.

Minnesota MA Directed Pharmacy Dispensing Payment Program (DPDPP) Update

As of August 27, the federal government (HHS–CMS) has not yet approved the Minnesota DHS–MA DPDPP, which was enacted by the Legislature during the 2025 session. Advocacy efforts are underway to encourage members of Minnesota’s Congressional delegation to press the Administration for approval, including the federal match of $0.505 for every state dollar appropriated.

The Minnesota Pharmacy Alliance is also working closely with DHS staff to ensure the program is ready to launch as soon as federal approval is granted. We will continue to share updates as this develops.