Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman Remembered as Trailblazing Public Servant

Introduction to 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."

Career Overview

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.
Safety officials provided an update Saturday into the manhunt of a man who shot two Minnesota lawmakers in their homes early Saturday, killing State Rep. and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband.
Follow along for live updates

Leadership Roles and Protests

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.

Advocacy and Criticism

She also drew headlines in 2017 when she criticized several male colleagues for playing cards in a room off the House floor while their female colleagues were speaking about a bill on the floor.
Following criticism from several colleagues about her remarks, Hoffman was unapologetic, according to Minnesota Public Radio, telling reporters, "For too long, when women are ignored, when people of color are ignored, when women of color are ignored, people don’t say anything. We need to say something. We need to call it out when we see it.”

Relationship with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

Hortman worked closely with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who on Saturday called her a "great leader" and a friend.
"A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state Capitol, Melissa Hortman woke up every day determined to make our state a better place. She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, and tirelessness," Walz said in a statement.

Response to Shootings

Walz also sent prayers in his statement to state Sen. John Hoffman, also a DFL member, who was shot alongside his wife at their home on Saturday. Walz confirmed that Hoffman and his wife were wounded and receiving treatment for their injuries.
Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed and state Sen. John Hoffman and his spouse are currently being treated for their injuries at a hospital after “targeted shootings” in Minnesota.

State Sen. John Hoffman

Hoffman, 60, was first elected in 2012 and served as chair of the state Senate Human Services Committee.
For over a decade, according to his record, he focused his legislative agenda on disability services and the needs of children and their families.
During his 2012 campaign, Hoffman wrote that he ran for state Senate because he was "frustrated" and "let down" by his representation in the state House and promised to be "a fair and balanced voice at the Legislature." Hoffman also vowed "to stay until the work is done."
Hoffman and his wife share one daughter, while Hortman had two children, according to their official statehouse biographies.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of Melissa Hortman and the injury of John Hoffman and his wife have sent shockwaves through the Minnesota community and beyond. Their dedication to public service and their commitment to making a difference in the lives of Minnesotans will not be forgotten. As the investigation into these targeted shootings continues, the community comes together to mourn and to support the families of the victims.

FAQs

• Q: Who was Melissa Hortman?
  A: Melissa Hortman was a Minnesota state Representative who served from 2004 until her death in 2025. She was a dedicated public servant and a trailblazer in Minnesota politics.
• Q: What happened to Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman?
  A: Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in their home, while John Hoffman and his wife were shot and injured in their home in what is being investigated as targeted shootings.
• Q: How are the communities responding?
  A: The communities are coming together to mourn the loss of Melissa Hortman and to support the recovery of John Hoffman and his wife. There is also a manhunt underway for the person responsible for the shootings.
• Q: What was Melissa Hortman’s role in the Minnesota State House?
  A: Melissa Hortman served as the speaker of the Minnesota State House from 2019 to 2025 and later became the minority leader under a power-sharing agreement.
• Q: What were some of Melissa Hortman’s notable actions during her career?
  A: She led her caucus in a protest to boycott House sessions, criticized male colleagues for playing cards during female colleagues’ speeches, and worked closely with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on various legislative agendas.