Melissa Anne Hortman (née Haluptzok; May 27, 1970 – June 14, 2025) was a distinguished American attorney and politician from Minnesota. A dedicated member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she served as the 61st Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2019 until her untimely death in 2025. Hortman was highly regarded for her commitment to public service and her influential leadership within the state legislature.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Melissa Anne Hortman (née Haluptzok) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Fridley, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Mark Hortman |
| Children | Two children (a daughter and a son) |
| Date of Death | June 14, 2025 |
Early Life and Education
Born in Fridley, Minnesota, Melissa Hortman was raised in the suburbs of Spring Lake Park and Andover.
She completed her high school education at Blaine High School in 1988. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston University, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Additionally, she obtained a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
During an internship in Washington D.C., she met her future husband, Mark Hortman.
Career
Melissa Hortman began her political career when she was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004, serving continuously through 11 terms until 2025.
Throughout her tenure, she held several key leadership positions, including Assistant Majority Leader (2007–2010), Minority Leader (2017–2019), and Speaker of the House (2019–2025).
She championed causes such as transportation improvements, education funding from K-12 through higher education, energy policy, and environmental protection.
Hortman was also recognized for her advocacy of gender equity and inclusivity, notably confronting inappropriate behavior in the legislature in 2017.
Personal Life
Melissa was married to Mark Hortman, whom she met during her Washington D.C. internship.
The couple made their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and had two children—a daughter and a son.
They were active members of their community, with Melissa also volunteering as a Sunday school teacher in Blaine.
Known for their strong family bonds and love of travel, Melissa and Mark shared over 30 years of marriage.
Assassination
On June 14, 2025, Melissa Hortman and her husband were tragically killed in a politically motivated shooting at their Brooklyn Park residence.
The attack was part of a coordinated series of shootings targeting Minnesota legislators, including State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who survived after emergency medical intervention.
The assailant, disguised as a police officer, carried out the early morning assault, sparking a large-scale manhunt.
Legacy
Melissa Hortman is remembered as a pioneering and compassionate leader who devoted her life to improving the lives of Minnesotans.
Her tenure as Speaker helped advance critical policies in education, transportation, and environmental stewardship.
As a vocal advocate for equity and inclusion, she inspired many across the state.
Her tragic assassination highlighted the perils of political violence and left a lasting void in Minnesota’s political landscape.
Hortman’s legacy endures through her impactful public service and her role as a trailblazer for women in politics.
