Remembering Speaker Melissa Hortman

Clean Energy Economy MN joins Minnesotans across the state in mourning the devastating and senseless loss of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Speaker Hortman was one of the most accomplished and effective public servants in Minnesota’s history. Her sudden death is a profound loss to the state she served with dedication, compassion, and conviction for three decades.

Speaker Hortman’s legacy is one of impact, integrity, and perseverance. She devoted her career to advancing policies that improved the lives of Minnesotans, guided by a deep commitment to service and the belief that government should work for everyone. Her leadership was defined by her strategic vision, calm resolve, and willingness to do the hard work of governance. She earned trust across the political spectrum for her honesty, sharp intellect, and ability to unite people in pursuit of the common good. Her quick wit and sense of humor made even the hardest days at the Capitol a little lighter.

Throughout her time in the Minnesota Legislature, Speaker Hortman helped shepherd some of the most significant policy advancements in state history. She was instrumental in passing landmark energy legislation, including Minnesota’s solar energy standard and the development of community solar gardens. In 2023, she played a central part in the passage of Minnesota’s nation-leading 100 percent carbon-free electricity standard, cementing her role as a legislative architect of the state’s energy future. These efforts reflected her determination to build a better future for all Minnesotans.

CEEM had the privilege of working closely with Speaker Hortman throughout her career. We witnessed her clarity of purpose, her generosity of spirit, and her unwavering belief in the power of public service to improve lives. Despite her demanding schedule, she was always gracious with her time and insight. Speaker Hortman regularly joined CEEM events as a guest speaker, including Clean Energy Business Day and our Summer Unwind gatherings. A steadfast ally and true friend of our organization, she consistently supported the growth of Minnesota’s emerging clean energy sector. Her leadership has left an enduring mark on our state, and her absence will be deeply felt.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Hortman family, her friends, and her colleagues in the legislature. We also hold Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time, and we wish them both a full and swift recovery. Melissa Hortman’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched, the policies she shaped, and the future she helped build. No one person will be able to fill her shoes, but together, we will carry her memory forward in our work, guided by the values she embodied and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Minnesotans.