Dear neighbors,
On Saturday, June 14, we all awoke to the devastating news that Melissa and Mark Hortman were assassinated in their home. Their golden retriever, Gilbert, was killed too. Senator John Hoffman, along with his wife Yvette and daughter Hope, were also targeted in an assault in their home the same morning by the same suspect. These actions of political violence have shaken us deeply.
Melissa served for over 20 years in the House. Early on in her career – during her sophomore term – she helped deliver overdue investments in our transportation system following the 35W bridge collapse. She successfully led the House floor effort on an override of a Governor’s veto, which is a rare feat in the Legislature. Melissa was one of the first proponents of meaningful action on clean energy and addressing climate change, including as author of Minnesota’s community solar law and groundbreaking solar standard for utilities.
In 2017, she became Minority Leader and in 2019 took over as Speaker of the House, a role she held for six years. She was a brilliant, dedicated legislative leader who championed progress for our state, sometimes during the most difficult periods in Minnesota history. She guided the Legislature through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped craft our state’s public health response to keep people safe amid all the uncertainty. After the murder of George Floyd, she lifted up the voices of BIPOC legislators and empowered them to lead at a time when our communities were demanding overdue change.
In the 2023-2024 legislative session, she led the way on transformational investments and policy changes to make Minnesota work better for everyone. Free school meals. Paid Family & Medical Leave and Earned Sick & Safe Time. Historic investments in schools. Protections for reproductive freedom. More investments in transportation infrastructure. More progress on climate action. Limits on co-pays for prescription drugs. Measures to make our state more inclusive to our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. Improving access to voting and strengthening our democracy. And I could go on.
What really stands out about Melissa though was her selfless nature and reluctance to take credit. While she served in an important position at the State Capitol, she didn’t seek the spotlight. Instead, she was more interested in putting her head down to do the work in leading a team that could make a difference for Minnesotans. She was also deeply passionate about her state, her community, and particularly, her family.
Members of the public wishing to pay their respects are invited to the State Capitol rotunda this Friday, June 27 between noon and 5 p.m. 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.
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.
The pain is far-reaching. Everyone who knew Melissa and Mark is hurting, but 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.
As we remember Mark and Melissa, we also keep John, Yvette, and Hope Hoffman close in our thoughts, too, and offer wishes for a complete recovery.
Let’s all commit to living up to Melissa’s legacy by relying on kindness, care, love for one another, and love for Minnesota.
Forward,
Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative