Minnesota House Democrats have chosen state Representative Zack Stephenson as their new caucus leader, two months after the tragic death of their longtime leader, Speaker Melissa Hortman. Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed inside their Brooklyn Park home in June during what authorities described as a politically motivated assassination. The shocking event has left the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) caucus grieving while also trying to move forward with their work at the Capitol.
Stephenson, who represents Anoka and parts of Coon Rapids, was first elected in 2018 and has quickly risen through the ranks. Earlier this year, he co-chaired the House Ways and Means Committee, helping to guide the state budget process during a historically divided Legislature. For the first time in more than 40 years, Republicans and Democrats were evenly split in the House, creating a challenging environment that required careful negotiation.
The 66-member DFL caucus voted for Stephenson in a closed-door meeting on Monday. In accepting the role, he spoke warmly of Hortman and pledged to continue her work. “I am honored to have the support of my colleagues to serve as caucus leader. Speaker Hortman is irreplaceable — as a leader, a strategist, a colleague, and a friend,” he said. “While I’ve been chosen to lead, it will take all of us, working together, to move forward, honor Speaker Hortman’s legacy, and build a Minnesota where everyone can succeed. We are all still grieving, but I am confident we can carry our shared work into the future.”
Hortman’s death has deeply shaken Minnesota politics. She had served in the House for 20 years, leading the DFL caucus for the last eight. Known as a sharp negotiator and respected leader, she played a major role in shaping the direction of the Legislature. Tragically, in the same early morning hours she was killed, state Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also attacked by a masked gunman, who shot them 17 times. Miraculously, they survived. Authorities have described both incidents as politically motivated attacks, fueling fears of escalating political violence.
Stephenson’s connection to Hortman runs deep. Before he was ever elected, she hired him as her campaign manager in 2004, the year she finally won her seat after two failed attempts. The two developed a lasting friendship, with Hortman later becoming his mentor. When she passed, Stephenson was one of her pallbearers, underscoring the closeness of their relationship. Reflecting on her life, he recalled her generosity in giving others credit. “She would introduce me and say, ‘This is Zack. He’s the only reason I’m in the Legislature.’ I wish I had corrected her more,” he shared in an emotional tribute at a Democratic National Committee meeting earlier this summer.
Now, as caucus leader, Stephenson faces significant challenges. Lawmakers are preparing for a potential special session on gun safety following a mass shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis last month. With emotions already high from the recent political violence, the issue is expected to spark heated debates. Looking further ahead, the Legislature will reconvene in St. Paul for its regular 2026 session in February. That session will take place just months before the November election, when both Democrats and Republicans will be fighting hard to break the current tie and secure a majority.
Hortman’s leadership had been crucial during the last session, particularly when the House faced weeks of deadlock over control of the chamber. By standing firm and negotiating skillfully, she secured a power-sharing agreement that allowed legislative work to move forward. Her absence now leaves a void, but Democrats are hopeful that Stephenson can continue her legacy of persistence and cooperation.
A special election is scheduled for September 16 to fill Hortman’s Brooklyn Park seat. Until then, Republicans hold a one-seat edge due to the vacancy. The outcome of that election will determine whether the House remains tied or if one side gains a clearer advantage heading into the next session.
Through grief and uncertainty, Democrats say they are united in honoring Hortman’s memory while turning the page toward the future. For Stephenson, the task will be balancing the weight of that loss with the responsibility of leading his caucus into a critical election year.
