Melissa Anne Hortman was an American politician and attorney from the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party . She represented District 34B in the Minnesota House of Representatives, covering parts of Anoka and Hennepin counties in the northern Twin Cities metropolitan area, from 2005 until her death in 2025. Notable achievements include serving as the 61st Speaker of the Minnesota House from 2019 to January 2025, House DFL Caucus Leader, and Speaker Emerita; she advanced key legislation on abortion rights, LGBTQ+ protections, clean energy, gun safety, police accountability, universal school meals, marijuana legalization, paid family leave, and affordable childcare.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Blaine High School; earned a degree from Boston University; obtained a law degree and worked as an attorney.
• Early Career: Worked for U.S. Senators Al Gore and John Kerry; volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, PTO member, and on the Anoka-Hennepin Parent-Legislative Team; owned a small business.
• Political Experience: Unsuccessful DFL-endorsed runs for the House in 1998 and 2002; elected in 2004 and reelected through 2024. Rose to House Minority Leader , then Speaker ; led DFL through major sessions, including post-George Floyd reforms and 2023 trifecta control. Focused on transportation, K-12 education, higher education, energy, environment, and solar standards. Held a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School .