Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman Killed in Political Violence

Melissa Hortman, a prominent Minnesota lawmaker, had a journey that began with humble beginnings. As a teenager, she worked at a restaurant making chili-cheese burritos, a far cry from her future role as a powerful Democratic leader in the Minnesota Capitol. Her influence extended beyond politics, as she was also known for her volunteer work training service dogs for veterans through Helping Paws.

Hortman was a lifelong resident of the Minneapolis area, attending college in Boston before returning home for law school. With her degree in hand, she began her career as a volunteer lawyer fighting housing discrimination. Elected to the Minnesota House in 2004, she played a pivotal role in passing liberal initiatives, including free lunches for public school students in 2023 as the chamber’s speaker. Her leadership was crucial in breaking a budget impasse in 2025, which threatened to shut down the state government amidst a 67-67 split between Democrats and Republicans.

Tributes from friends and colleagues poured in after Hortman and her husband were tragically shot to death in their suburban Brooklyn Park home. The incident was described by authorities as an act of targeted political violence. Helping Paws, the organization where Hortman volunteered, posted a heartfelt message on its

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a longtime friend and Democratic ally, described Hortman as a true leader who was deeply committed to her work but remained grounded and decent. Klobuchar’s words reflected the widespread admiration for Hortman’s character and dedication.

The shootings occurred shortly after a significant Democratic event, the Humphrey-Mondale dinner, where Hortman and other top Democrats had gathered. The dinner is named after two Minnesota liberal icons who served as U.S. senators and vice presidents. Another prominent Minnesota lawmaker, state Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife were also shot and wounded at their home in Champlin, another Minneapolis suburb. Hoffman, who chairs the Senate committee overseeing human resources spending, was reported to be recovering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Outside the state Capitol in St. Paul, a memorial to Hortman and her husband included flowers, candles, small American flags, and a photo of the couple. Visitors left messages on Post-It notes, commending Hortman’s legislative work and acknowledging the impact she had on countless lives.

Hortman’s legislative colleagues described her as funny, savvy, and fiercely committed to liberal causes. When lawmakers convened in January with a vacancy in a Democratic seat giving the GOP a temporary advantage, Hortman led a boycott of daily sessions for more than three weeks to force Republicans into a power-sharing arrangement. This move highlighted her strategic

In 2025, Republicans were determined to end state health coverage for adult immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally, a provision authorized in 2023 as part of a sweeping liberal program. Democrats, including Hortman, wanted to keep the coverage. As lawmakers began June without having passed a 2026-27 spending blueprint, Hortman helped negotiate a package that included a bill ending the state health coverage for adult immigrants on Jan. 1, 2026. She was the only House Democrat to vote for it, providing the 68th vote needed for its passage.

Hortman acknowledged the potential harm to those who would lose their health insurance but emphasized the need for compromise in a divided legislature. She expressed her concerns to reporters, choking up briefly before regaining her composure. Her actions reflected her commitment to finding solutions that, while not ideal, were necessary for the functioning of the government.

Hortman’s earliest jobs did not foreshadow her future political career. At 16, she worked as a cook and cashier at a restaurant, making tacos and chili-cheese burritos. She also worked for caterers and as a runner at an auto parts store, putting inventory away and retrieving items for customers. Her husband, Mark, earned a physics degree and later an MBA, serving as the chief operating officer of an auto parts company before co-founding a business consulting firm. He was also active in Helping Paws and Habitat for Humanity.

Hortman earned a degree in philosophy and political science from Boston University, where she also worked as a residence assistant. She later earned her law degree from the University of Minnesota and a master’s of public administration from Harvard University. Her commitment to public service was evident in her decade-long tenure on the board of a local nonprofit providing transportation and car repairs for low-income residents. She was also part of a committee in 2005 considering whether Minneapolis should submit a bid to host the Summer Olympics.

Helping Paws remembered Hortman for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world better. Her legacy as a dedicated public servant and a compassionate individual will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who will learn about her story.