The Impact of Speaker Hortman and Senator Hoffman

I am devastated by the assassination of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and by the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

I am fortunate enough to have worked with both of these incredible and effective DFL leaders. Speaker Hortman and I served in the Minnesota House of Representatives together, working together closely on the Joint Committee to investigate the collapse of the 35W bridge. Her dedication to her community shone through the tragedy then, and continues to shine. While Minnesota has lost a great leader, her work will continue to actively benefit our community for generations to come.

Senator Hoffman and I have worked together for years in the disability advocacy community, specifically in the Partners in Policymaking program. His unwavering commitment to the disability community, and all Minnesotans, is clear in his legislative work, as well as his personal advocacy.

Minnesota is a better state because of these two public servants. Speaker Hortman chose to lead the House with unrelenting and unapologetic compassion that set the tone for all members, staff, and the public. Senator Hoffman’s unfailing resolve to align legislation with current community needs often served as a reminder to his colleagues of why public service matters.

During this challenging time, we must honor the legacy of Speaker Hortman’s service and reflect on the powerful words of the Hoffman family: “As a society, as a nation, as a community, we must work together to return to a level of civility that allows us all to live peacefully. The future for our children depends on that.”