Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman remembered as a trailblazing public servant after fatal shooting

Before Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman became a nationally recognized figure following her fatal shooting death alongside her husband Saturday morning — an act public officials have called an act of "political violence" — she was revered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant

Before Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman became a nationally recognized figure following her fatal shooting death alongside her husband Saturday morning — an act public officials have called an act of "political violence" — she was revered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant.

The state House Democratic Farmer-Labor Party caucus on Saturday remembered Hortman, a fellow member, as "an incredible leader who dedicated her life to public service" and who had a "determination to improve people’s lives."

Hortman, who was 55, was first elected to the Minnesota State House in 2004 and served as speaker of the chamber from 2019 to 2025, according to her state House biography.

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Earlier this year, she led her caucus in a protest to boycott House sessions and deny Republicans, who had a one-seat majority, quorum to do business. Eventually, Hortman became minority leader under a power-sharing agreement and was elevated to the role of "DFL Leader" when the results of a special election created a tie in the chamber.