Judge: Minnesota 2nd District House Election Must Be Held Nov. 3

MINNESOTA — A ruling handed down by a federal judge Friday means the race for the U.S. House in Minnesota's Second District must be held Nov. 3. Judge Wilhelmina Wright granted an injunction, a victory for the campaign to reelect Rep. Angie Craig.

The news was broken on Twitter by Minnesota Public Radio reporter Brian Bakst.

Craig's campaign filed a lawsuit Sept. 28 in order to prevent a delay in her district's U.S. House election.

Under Minnesota state law, the election for the U.S. House of Representatives seat in the Second Congressional District must be pushed back following the death of one of the candidates.

Adam Weeks was running as the Legal Marijuana Now Party candidate before his death. A special election would be held in February, Secretary of State Steve Simon confirmed following Weeks' death.

Friday's ruling, however, means the election will be held on Nov. 3.

"The people of Minnesota's Second Congressional District deserve to have a voice fighting for them in Washington," Craig said in September.

"Unfortunately, their process currently in place would drive Minnesotans of their seat at the table at a time when critical legislation affecting our state will be debated - including bills to rid politics of special interests, ensure quality, affordable health care for every Minnesotan and safeguard our family famers. Hardworking second district families are entitled to representation in Congress, and that's why I'm taking action today to ensure that the election this November proceeds as mandates by federal law."

According to Craig's lawsuit, the state's rules that require the election to be postponed "are unconstitutional as applied to federal elections for the U.S. House of Representatives."

Read more: Rep. Angie Craig Sues To Prevent Delay In 2nd District Election