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

EAGAN, MN — The campaign to reelect Rep. Angie Craig is suing in order to prevent a delay in her district's election. Under 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 will be held in February, Secretary of State Steve Simon confirmed Thursday

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

"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."

The suit continues:

"The Posting Requirement, as well as the Secretary’s communications that votes cast in the 2nd Congressional District will not count, impose substantial burdens on Minnesota voters in that District. Having heard the Secretary’s statements and reviewed the notices at polling places, voters may be misled into thinking the ballots they are casting in the general election for the 2nd Congressional District will not be counted, despite federal law requiring that all votes be counted. Because of the confusion surrounding whether their vote will be counted, these voters may not vote."

Craig asked every voter in the 2nd Congressional District to continue to mark their ballots. "I will continue to fight to ensure that every Minnesotan has the representation they deserve in Congress next year," she concluded.

Per state law, if a major party nominee dies within 79 days of Election Day, a special election will be held for that office on the second Tuesday of February. The Second District's special election is set for Feb. 9, 2021.

Tyler Kistner's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.