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Dear neighbors,

On Saturday, June 14, we awoke to the horrific news that Melissa and Mark Hortman had been murdered in their home, along with their golden retriever, Gilbert. That same morning, Senator John Hoffman, his wife Yvette, and their daughter Hope were also attacked in their home. It’s hard to find the right words in the face of unthinkable political violence.

Melissa Hortman was a thoughtful, dedicated, and steadfast leader. Over more than two decades in the Minnesota House, including six years as our Speaker, she helped guide our state through some of its most difficult moments. She brought people together, especially when it wasn’t easy. She never chased headlines or credit. Instead, she was focused on results. She believed in empowering others and making room for new voices, including our growing cohort of BIPOC legislators. Following the murder of George Floyd, she listened to what the community was asking for and lifted up their voices. While we have more yet to do, her leadership led to real, sustainable change, strengthening safety, justice, and accountability.

I’ll never forget when Speaker Melissa Hortman appointed me to Chair the Workforce Development Committee, which gave me the opportunity to fight for equity in education, job training, and economic opportunity for working families across Minnesota.

After the 2024 election, she personally called me and asked me to Chair the Veterans and Military Affairs Division. She told me she wanted to make sure our Hmong veterans—like my father and grandfather who served as SGU soldiers—had a voice at the Capitol. That call meant everything to me.

Melissa didn’t just talk about inclusion—she lived it. She uplifted new leaders, trusted our lived experiences, and made space for communities who had long been left out. Her legacy lives on in all of us she empowered to lead. Thank you, Speaker Emerita Hortman, for believing in me and believing in the power of representation.

Members of the public wishing to pay their respects are invited to the State Capitol rotunda this Friday, June 27 between noon and 5 p.m. when Melissa and Mark Hortman, along with Gilbert, will lie in state. Melissa will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state in the Capitol.

On Saturday, June 28 at 10:30 a.m., a private funeral will take place. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will livestream the services on its YouTube channel.

The pain is far-reaching. Everyone who knew Melissa and Mark is hurting, but this tragedy is also a loss for everyone who believes in the value of public service and the power of our democracy. I’ve found comfort in the words of Melissa and Mark’s children: Sophie and Colin. While experiencing unthinkable grief, they offered the following suggestions to all of us on how to best honor the memory of their parents:

• Plant a tree.
• Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail.
• Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.
• Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it. 
• Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone.
• Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something.
• Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace.

As we honor the memories of Melissa and Mark, we’re also holding John, Yvette, and Hope Hoffman close in our hearts and wishing them strength and healing in the days ahead.

In the coming weeks, look for an e-newsletter from me recapping the 2025 legislative session and the new two-year state budget we passed. There’s plenty to talk about, but right now our focus needs to be on honoring the Hortmans.

May we carry forward Melissa’s legacy by leading with compassion, showing up for one another, and continuing to build a Minnesota that works better for everyone.

In solidarity,

Jay Xiong
State Representative