Who is Melissa Hortman?

Melissa Hortman is an American politician serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. She is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), which is affiliated with the Democratic Party. Hortman has represented districts in the Minneapolis area and has served in the Minnesota legislature for several years, including holding leadership positions such as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Melissa Anne Hortman (née Haluptzok; May 27, 1970 – June 14, 2025) was a prominent American lawyer and Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) politician from Minnesota. She represented parts of the Twin Cities metro in the Minnesota House from 2005 until her tragic assassination in 2025

Political Career

• Speaker of the Minnesota House from January 8, 2019, to January 14, 2025 (61st Speaker)
• Served as House Minority Leader (2017–2019) and briefly as DFL Caucus Leader in 2025
• First elected in 2004 and re-elected through 2025; her district included areas like Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, and Champlin

Education & Background

• Born in Fridley, Minnesota, and raised in Spring Lake Park & Andover
• Education: B.A. (magna cum laude) in philosophy and political science from Boston University (1991); J.D. from University of Minnesota Law School (1995); M.P.A. from Harvard Kennedy School
• Early roles included Senate internships, legal clerkships, and as a Hennepin County assistant attorney; she notably won a record $490,000 civil discrimination case in 1997

Legislative Impact

• Instrumental in advancing major policies: codified abortion rights, mandated free school meals, enabled paid family & medical leave, overhauled police reform and gun control, and pioneered Minnesota’s solar energy standard
• Known for pragmatic, bipartisan leadership—especially notable during a 67–67 House split and crucial budget negotiations

Assassination & Legacy

• On June 14, 2025, Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home in what authorities have described as a politically motivated attack by a masked gunman posing as a police officer
• Their family dog was also fatally wounded
• The attack deeply shook Minnesota and U.S. politics—her death resulted in the House shifting to a one-vote Republican majority and sparked widespread tributes for her community-driven, transparent, and cooperative leadership

Remembered For:

• Strength and resilience: Colleagues described her as the “adult in the room”—humble yet ferocious in getting things done.
• Community focus: Outside the legislature, she volunteered (e.g., training service dogs), and championed underrepresented communities.
• Bridging divides: She stood out for her thoughtful bipartisanship and ability to navigate intense political deadlock .