Minnesota Legislature gavels in, honors Melissa Hortman, absent for first time in 20 years

By: Michelle Griffith

Outlets: Minnesota Reformer

Published: February 17, 2026

Words: 840

Last Updated: 1 week, 1 day ago

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Minnesota lawmakers walked into the Capitol Tuesday for the first time in over 20 years without Rep. Melissa Hortman, among the state’s most influential elected officials this century who was respected for her selflessness and conviction to better Minnesotans’ lives through public policy.

Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home on June 14 in what prosecutors say was a politically motivated assassination. Tuesday was also …

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