The election has significant political implications, too, due to Republicans’ one-seat edge in the statehouse. Voters will choose between Democratic nominee XP Lee, a former Brooklyn Park City Council member, and Republican nominee Ruth Bittner, a real estate agent. Lee told The Associated Press that continuing Hortman’s legacy is one of the reasons why he is running for her former seat. So I am very conscious of political and gun violence. Many of the Democratic lawmakers on the list have been outspoken about pro-choice policy positions, two sources said.