Minnesota House Democrats Select New Leader After Hortman Slaying

Lead Minnesota House Democrats on Wednesday elected Rep. Zack Stephenson as their new caucus leader, filling the vacancy left by the politically motivated killing of former Speaker Melissa Hortman in June.

Nut Graf The swift leadership transition underscores the party’s effort to maintain unity and focus on its legislative priorities, coming three months after Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in what authorities deemed a targeted political assassination.

New Leader Emerges Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) secured the position in a closed-door caucus vote, pledging to honor Hortman’s legacy by advancing key measures on childcare, education funding and reproductive rights. “Melissa led with courage and conviction,” Stephenson said. “We will continue her work without hesitation.”

Legacy of Melissa Hortman Hortman, a two-decade veteran of the Minnesota House and its speaker from 2019 until her death, was gunned down at her Brooklyn Park home on June 14 by a suspect posing as a police officer. Her spouse, Mark Hortman, was killed alongside her; another Democrat, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife survived a related attack earlier that morning.

Security and Healing In the wake of the assassination, lawmakers nationwide tightened security and called for bipartisan action against political violence. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ordered flags at half-staff and convened a task force to review protection protocols for public officials.

Ongoing Aftermath Meanwhile, the wife of the alleged shooter filed for divorce on Sept. 10, citing irreconcilable differences as the legal process continues. The suspect remains in custody facing state and federal murder charges.

Subheads for Online Scanning

• “Stephenson Vows to Uphold Hortman’s Agenda”
• “Security Review Launched After Political Killing”
• “Shooter’s Family Seeks Divorce Amid Prosecution”