Law enforcement search for armed suspect, Vance Boelter, in fatal shooting of Minnesota lawmaker.

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Melissa Hortman, the top Democrat in the Minnesota House, 

, Mark, in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday in what Gov. Tim Walz called a “politically motivated shooting.”

“She was a bright shining light of a human being,” said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. “Minnesotans lost a really important and impactful leader.”

Hortman, 55, served as Speaker of the Minnesota House from 2019 through 2025. Over the last six months, Hortman stepped aside and agreed to serve as speaker emerita after Democrats lost the House majority in November. She helped negotiate a budget deal with Walz and Republican Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth that was passed earlier this week.

During her two decades in elected office, 

Hortman positioned herself as a consensus builder

 who was willing to work with both political parties. But she was also responsible for ushering in key Democratic initiatives including abortion rights, universal lunch for students and gun restrictions.

“Everybody liked her and respected her on both sides of the aisle,” said former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican. “She had more than one gear. She could be easy going and funny. When it came to her policy views, she could be very strong and decisive and a tough negotiator.”

Hortman grew up in Fridley and graduated from Blaine High School in 1988. She graduated from Boston University and worked in the 1990s as a political staffer for U.S. Sens. John Kerry and Al Gore.

Previous coverage of Rep. Hortman

Can Democrats take over Minnesota House?

Hortman brings experience, quiet irreverence to speaker's chair

Women carve historic path as Legislature opens with DFL in charge

Hortman failed in her first two attempts at political office, losing legislative races in 1998 and 2002. In 2004, she finally found electoral success by defeating a Republican incumbent. In 2006, Republicans were optimistic that they could win back the seat. She easily won reelection and won her legislative district for 11 consecutive elections.

Hortman and her husband, Mark, are survived by two children. 

Gov. Tim Walz ordered flags at half-staff

 starting Saturday in remembrance of Hortman. A proclamation accompanying the order called her “a formidable public servant and a fixture of the state Capitol, who woke up every morning determined to make Minnesota a better place.”

Tom Scheck

Author

During her two decades in elected office, Melissa Hortman positioned herself as a consensus builder and DFLer willing to work with Republicans. “Everybody liked her and respected her on both sides of the aisle,” said former GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Ben Hovland | MPR News

woman speaking on a microphone with the U.S flag 

Late DFL leader Melissa Hortman remembered as ‘shining light,’ consensus builder

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