Dear Neighbors -
On Saturday, June 14, our friends Melissa and Mark Hortman and their beloved dog Gilbert were taken from us in horrific acts of political violence that also left Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman seriously injured. The tragedy of losing Melissa and Mark is compounded by the trauma of the assassin’s plan to kill many more DFL legislators and abortion-care providers in service of his extremist ideology. We are all grieving and processing this unthinkable loss as a community and a state.
As we navigate this unspeakable tragedy and seek to move forward, there will be discussions to have about how to address the rise in political violence and extremism that threatens our democracy and our safety. But right now, we need to lean on each other and our belief in each other. Continuing the work to make Minnesota a better place for everyone, and doing it together, is a way to honor Melissa and Mark’s legacy and live up to Melissa’s leadership.
I’ve known Melissa since 2010 and one of the things I most admire about her is how she always centered people in the work she did, in every decision she made. It was always about the parent who had more time with their newborn because of paid leave, the bus driver who’d have more economic stability because of unemployment insurance, the first grader who can learn better on a full stomach. Melissa was one of the most consequential Speakers of the House in our state’s history with her fingerprints on so many monumental legislative achievements, and every one of those achievements she measured in how it improved the lives of everyday Minnesotans.
What made Melissa so unique as a leader is her record of accomplishment matched only by her uncommon work ethic and humility. She worked hard and would never give up, and when she succeeded, it was never her instinct to take or expect credit. Instead, she would sidestep praise, giving it to our DFL team, to her staff, and most often, to the Minnesotans we were sent to the Capitol to represent. She thrived in learning the details of every issue and in her persistence to get to a solution, even when it was hard. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, political turmoil after January 6th, and the last session which may have been her most challenging as a leader, she was the force who kept things moving forward and toward resolution even at great personal cost.
Mark was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Always there with an easy smile, a compliment or a joke to make you smile. As we get through this together, I’m going to lean on the example they set and the lessons that Melissa and Mark left us: see the good in people and one another, including people we disagree with. Build relationships and bridge differences. Seek common ground rather than soundbites. Produce rather than perform. And amidst whatever roadblock are presented to us, never give up on the work of improving the lives and futures of all Minnesotans.
Capitol Visitation and Funeral
Members of the public wishing to pay their respects are invited to the State Capitol rotunda this Friday, June 27 between noon and 5pm when Melissa and Mark Hortman, along with Gilbert, will lie in state. Melissa will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state in the Capitol. You can find a map of the Capitol Complex for visitors here.
On Saturday, June 28 at 10:30 a.m., a private funeral will take place. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will livestream the services on its YouTube channel.
Everyone who knew or admired Melissa and Mark is hurting, and this tragedy is also a loss for everyone who believes in the value of public service and the power of our democracy. I’ve found comfort in the words of Melissa and Mark’s children: Sophie and Colin. While experiencing unthinkable grief, they offered the following suggestions to all of us on how to best honor the memory of their parents:
- Plant a tree.
- Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail.
- Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.
- Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it.
- Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone.
- Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something.
- Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace.
These are each living tributes to the life and legacy of two amazing people and their beloved canine companion. I look forward to seeing new trees sprouting up and giving a friendly smile out on the trails this summer. I'd love to see and share your living tributes with our community if you want to pass them on.
And lastly, a personal note of gratitude for everyone who has sent messages, letters, calls, and emails of support. Your encouragement and empathy have been meaningful to me.
We will get through this together by living up to Melissa’s legacy by relying on kindness, care, love for one another, and love for Minnesota.
In partnership and community,
Emma Greenman
State Representative