Minnesota state representative, Melissa Hortman, a recognized pillar in public service, tragically met her end following an assassination in her own residence.
A dedicated volunteer, dog lover, and Girl Scout troop leader – that was Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman off the legislative floor. Serving as the top Democrat in the state House, Hortman was much more than a politician to many. Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State and a law school colleague, described her as a "bright shining light of a human being."
But in a tragic turn of events, Hortman, along with her husband Mark, were victims of a "politically motivated assassination" on their Brooklyn Park home. The suspect, Vance Boelter, is currently on the run, authorities said.
Hortman, a "formidable public servant," left an indelible mark on Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz noted. Born and raised in the northern suburbs of Spring Lake Park and Andover, Hortman graduated from Blaine High School and pursued her law degree at the University of Minnesota after working for senators Al Gore and John Kerry.
Gore expressed his horror and shock at this senseless act of violence, saying Hortman had a lasting impact on him, his team, and "many others who worked with her throughout her impactful career as a public servant and leading climate advocate."
A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, Hortman was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2004. She served as the Speaker of the House from 2019 to 2025 and was the DFL Leader at the time of her demise.
Hortman was an ardent champion for climate change, education, and other progressive causes. Her legislative portfolio included efforts to pass the solar energy standard and community solar laws, protect reproductive health care, and advance gender-affirming health care.
Beyond politics, Hortman was deeply committed to her community. She served on the Brooklyn Park Human Rights Commission and was known for her involvement in her local Catholic church and school.
Throughout her career, Hortman was driven by a desire for equity, justice, and compassion. This focus extended to her policy priorities, such as education, child welfare, and police reform, and her legislative achievements, like progress in protecting and expanding abortion rights, universal free lunch settings, and stricter gun control measures.
In her final interview with WCCO, Hortman spoke about the Minnesota State Legislature's priorities, including choice, climate, gun violence prevention, and protecting democracy. Her co-authored bills on reproductive health care, gender-affirming health care, a state health care public option, and paid family leave are testimonies to her unwavering commitment to making a difference.
The suspect, Vance Boelter, was reportedly found with a hit list that included nearly 70 names, including abortion providers, pro-abortion rights advocates, and lawmakers from multiple states, according to a law enforcement source. It has been learned that all the Democratic members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation were on the suspect's alleged target list.
In tribute to her lost friend and fellow politician, Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote, "Melissa was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion. Her legacy will endure, but today we grieve deeply."
Despite her notable career in politics as a formidable public servant and the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Melissa Hortman was also deeply involved in general-news areas like community service and crime-and-justice matters, serving on the Brooklyn Park Human Rights Commission and advocating for progressive causes. Tragically, Hortman and her husband Mark were victims of a politically motivated assassination, with the suspect, Vance Boelter, having reportedly targeted numerous abortion providers, pro-abortion rights advocates, and lawmakers from multiple states, including Melissa Hortman and other Democratic members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation.
