The 2026 Minnesota legislative session opened this week with the House and Senate coming together to pay tribute to the late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their beloved dog Gilbert. The Hortmans were shot and killed in an attack at their home last June 14th.
House and Senate members began the tribute by reading a joint resolution honoring the lives of the Hortmans.
House Speaker Lisa Demuth of Cold Spring remembered the work that they had done together…
“Melissa’s legacy will be remembered for what she accomplished. Yes, but even more her legacy will be remembered for how she accomplished it. With conviction, with kindness, with fierce determination and the unwavering belief that our institutions only function when we treat each other with dignity.”
DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy challenged those present to be better lawmakers to honor the Hortmans…
“We have a choice. Will we devolve into the familiar and increasing dangerous partisan divide or will we do what I believe Melissa would want us to do? To lead with conviction, and a plan for Minnesota.”
Governor Tim Walz remembered Melissa Hortman…
“I miss my friend every day. I miss the wisdom that she brought, the humor, the decency and I just hope the work we do here makes her proud because she cared so deeply about this institution. It’s all of our responsibilities to carry that out.”
Eight months after he and his wife were shot multiple times in their home on the same night as the fatal attack on the Hortmans, DFL Senator John Hoffman of Champlain returned to the Senate chamber. He was escorted by state troopers and greeted with a standing ovation.
Hoffman called for lawmakers to put partisanship aside for the coming session and to acknowledge their oath to serve in the best interest of the people of Minnesota…
“We have a choice to commit ourselves to the work of the people and I choose to recommit. In moments like this, politics must fade and humanity must take over. This is not a weakness. This is a strength..” “Members, let’s rise above the noise and let us govern with humility. And let us prove through our actions that the word Democracy is stronger than fear Mr. President, I thank you and it feels really good to be back here.”
Senator Hoffman serves a portion of eastern Wright County that includes Dayton.
(content: courtesy, in part, MNN)
