Revision: Dec. 4, 2025, 8:39 a.m.
HR 42 - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-3221
08/07
HOUSE RESOLUTION 42
A RESOLUTION honoring the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman.
SPONSORS: Rep. Simpson, Rock. 33; Rep. Wilhelm, Hills. 21; Rep. Wallner, Merr. 19; Rep. Weber, Ches. 5; Rep. Telerski, Hills. 11; Rep. Grote, Rock. 24; Rep. Ebel, Merr. 7; Rep. Hakken-Phillips, Graf. 12; Rep. Giasson, Hills. 29; Rep. Packard, Rock. 16; Sen. Rosenwald, Dist 13; Sen. Perkins Kwoka, Dist 21
COMMITTEE: Legislative Administration
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ANALYSIS
This resolution honors the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman.
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26-3221
08/07
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
A RESOLUTION honoring the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman.
Whereas, Melissa Anne Hortman, born May 27, 1970, in Fridley, Minnesota, was a dedicated public servant and respected lawyer, whose life was defined by courage, integrity, and tireless advocacy; and
Whereas, after earning a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and political science from Boston University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School, and a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, Ms. Hortman committed her skills and energies to the people of Minnesota as a legislator; and
Whereas, Melissa Hortman was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004, serving continuously through 2025 in various roles, including assistant majority leader, minority whip, House speaker pro tempore, minority leader, and—most notably—as the 61st Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2019 to January 2025; and
Whereas, during her tenure, she championed a wide range of public policy initiatives, including transportation improvements, public safety measures, access to health care, and thoughtful criminal justice reform, earning respect across the aisle for her skill in negotiation and her steady leadership; and
Whereas, Melissa Hortman was recognized for her strong moral conviction, her dedication to fairness and inclusion, and her commitment to transparent and accountable governance that sought to promote justice for all; and
Whereas, in June 2025, Ms. Hortman, along with her husband, was tragically assassinated in an act of political violence, an event which shocked her community and the nation, and underscored the profound loss of a leader who had lived in service to others; and
Whereas, her legacy—of public service, ethical leadership, and the values she upheld—continues to inspire legislators, community leaders, and citizens alike; and
Whereas, this honorable body believes that her commitment to justice and the public good ought to be formally recognized by the state of New Hampshire as we acknowledge the national loss and her lifetime contributions to democracy; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the house of representatives of the state of New Hampshire:
That we hereby honor the life and legacy of Melissa A. Hortman, for her exemplary leadership and service to her community and to the state of Minnesota, and by extension to the ideals that we in New Hampshire and the nation hold dear.
That we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and public commitment.
That we assert our support for peaceful and civil political discourse, and recommit to safeguarding the institutions and democratic processes for which she stood.
That a copy of this resolution be transmitted by the house clerk to the family of Melissa Hortman as a token of respect and solidarity.