New Minnesota Rep. Xp Lee sworn in

XP Lee sworn in as District 34B Representative

Minnesota’s District 34B officially has a new state representative.

On Friday, Xp Lee was sworn in to fill the late Rep. Melissa Hortman’s seat.

Lee formerly served on the Brooklyn Park City Council and came out ahead of Ruth Bittner in a special election last week.

His swearing-in means the Minnesota House of Representatives is again split 67-67 between the DFL and GOP.

RELATED: Xp Lee wins special election for Hortman’s seat, House once again tied at 67-67

In a statement shared by the Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, Lee said he’s committed to upholding Hortman’s legacy.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, and Champlin,” Rep. Lee said. “While I am honored, I have never lost sight of the tragedy that brought us to this moment, and I will work hard every day to carry forward Speaker Melissa Hortman’s legacy.”

“My story is proof of what’s possible in our country and our state: I was born in a refugee camp, and my family came to this country when I was 10 months old. I worked hard in school, followed my passion for values-driven work, became a union member, and I have been serving my community in every way I can.

“Every family in Minnesota deserves those opportunities. Right now, those opportunities are getting too far out of reach. I’m going to do everything I can to make a brighter future a reality for all of us.”
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