Saint Paul, Minn. (June 17, 2025) –We are devastated by the politically-motivated assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and the murder of her husband, Mark Hortman. Our grief is compounded by the brutal attack on State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. We continue to hold them and their loved ones in our hearts as they fight to recover from this unspeakable act of violence.
This was more than a violent attack on two families. It was an assault on our democratic values, on principled public service, and on the safety and dignity of those who choose to lead. Political violence has no place in Minnesota—or anywhere in this country.
Melissa Hortman was not only a legislative giant and the longest serving woman Speaker of the Minnesota House—she was a steadfast ally of Women Winning. Over the years, she consistently advanced reproductive freedom, supported pro-choice legislation, and stood publicly for the values our organizations represent. Her presence and advocacy empowered countless women to believe in their right to lead.
As we mourn this profound loss, we also recommit ourselves to the work Speaker Hortman believed in so deeply: safeguarding reproductive rights, protecting our democracy, and ensuring that women in public life are not only elected—but protected.
In the coming days, we will gather, we will grieve, and we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders, families, and communities across Minnesota. We invite you to join us in honoring Speaker Hortman’s legacy, supporting Senator Hoffman’s recovery, and reaffirming our shared commitment to fearless, values-driven leadership and non-violent social change.
Our organizations—one focused on advocacy and political change, the other on education and leadership development—will not be deterred. Speaker Hortman wouldn’t have it any other way.
####
About Women Winning
Women Winning was established in 1982 by a multi-partisan group of 25 women determined to increase the number of pro-choice women in public office. With more than 19,000 statewide members, Women Winning is Minnesota’s largest women’s political organization.
Women Winning is changing the face of power in Minnesota by activating campaign operatives, pro-choice candidates, and elected officials who are committed to reproductive health, rights and justice, and working to protect the safety, dignity and bodily autonomy of Minnesotans. The organization runs a smart, strategic, and targeted political program focused on competitive districts for pro-choice women candidates with the goal of increasing the number of pro-choice champions serving in public office. Women Winning offers robust, formal training, mentorship, and support from the time a pro-choice champion first considers a run for office to election day.
