Candidates respond as special election to be held in February for 2nd Congressional District following death of fellow candidate

A special election will be held in February for Minnesota’s Second Congressional District seat following the death of Adam Weeks, a Legal Marijuana Now Party candidate.

Gabby Ulan, who identified herself as Weeks’ partner said that he was found dead at his home in Red Wing after family members requested a welfare check. The cause of death wasn’t clear according to Ulan and an autopsy has been requested.

According to Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, the law states that if a major party nominee dies within 79 days of Election Day, a special election will be held on the second Tuesday of February.

The date of the special election will be held on Feb. 9, 2021.

Minnesota law was changed in 2013 to avoid a repeat of the state’s frenetic 2002 U.S. Senate election, when incumbent Paul Wellstone died in a plane crash less than two weeks before the election. Democrats rushed to replace Wellstone with former Vice President Walter Mondale, who lost to Republican Norm Coleman.

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According to the secretary of state’s office, eligible voters in the district are encouraged to still vote in November’s general election.

Residents who voted absentee do not need to request new ballots. While the district race will still appear on the ballot, it will not be counted.

While announcing the special election, Simon spoke briefly about weeks in a statement.

“I want to offer condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Weeks. The loss of any of us is a tragedy, and that’s felt especially in someone who has put his energy into a campaign to serve in public office,” Simon said.

Republican candidate for the Second Congressional District seat Tyler Kistner made the following statement in regards to Weeks’ death:

“I am saddened to hear that Adam Weeks has passed away. Adam was a passionate advocate for the causes he believed in, and he will be missed by all those who knew him. Marie and I will be praying for Adam and his family and friends as they go through this difficult time.

“There will be a time and a place to talk about the election, but that day is not today.”

Current second district representative and Democratic nominee Angie Craig said the following in a tweet:

"I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of Adam Weeks’ passing earlier this week. Cheryl and I are praying for the Weeks family during this difficult time."