SC Minnesota News

Minnesota State Representative Erica Schwartz has issued a statement following the deaths of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. In her message, Schwartz also addressed the recent attack on Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who are recovering from injuries.

Schwartz described the collective grief felt across Minnesota: "There are moments when words feel small—this is one of them. Our state is heartbroken. We are grieving the tragic loss of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. And at the same time, we are praying without ceasing for Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, as they begin the long road of recovery after surviving a brutal and senseless act of violence."

She condemned political violence in strong terms: "None of this should have happened. The pain our state is feeling right now is raw and real. Political violence has no place in our democracy. These attacks are not just on individuals—they are attacks on our shared values and the very fabric of our Democracy."

Schwartz reflected on her personal memories with Melissa Hortman: "As we mourn Melissa, I find myself returning to a personal memory—one that I now cherish more than ever. It was the day Democrats returned to work at the Capitol after a long standoff. We had just wrapped up a long floor session. As I walked back to my office through the tunnel, I saw Melissa with two of her colleagues. They were laughing—really laughing—arms around each other, joy echoing through the quiet halls. Her laughter filled the tunnel, and as we passed, we exchanged a smile and a simple greeting. That brief moment captured her humanity—her warmth, her joy, and her ability to bring light even in long, difficult days."

She highlighted Hortman's leadership qualities: "I keep thinking about Melissa not just as a political leader, but as a woman, a mother, and a wife. She led the House for six years under the watchful gaze of President Lincoln’s portrait—a fitting symbol of her steadiness and strength. And now, her passing feels like the closing of a chapter we were not ready to end."

Looking ahead, Schwartz called for unity: "But we must go on. We must choose light. We must recommit ourselves to the ideals that hold us together—freedom, respect, community, and peace."

She concluded by urging Minnesotans to reject hate: "President Lincoln’s words echo in my heart today, just as they did in Melissa’s chamber:

As we grieve, may we also resolve. Let us reject hate in all its forms and lead with compassion, humility, and courage.

Please keep the Hortman and Hoffman families in your prayers. And please join me in praying for our state—that we may begin to heal together."