Zack Stephenson elected new Minnesota DFL House Leader, replacing late Melissa Hortman

On Monday, members of the Minnesota House Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) elected Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) to serve as the Democratic floor leader in the state’s lower chamber.

We are proud to announce Rep. Zack Stephenson as our new House DFL caucus leader! pic.twitter.com/9ziCJ4JcMQ

— Minnesota House DFL (@mnhouseDFL) September 9, 2025

Stephenson replaces the late former Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), who was killed in a politically motivated assassination on June 14. Hortman was Stephenson’s mentor for over 20 years, and he served as her campaign manager during her 2004 reelection campaign. Stephenson also served as one of Hortman’s pallbearers during her funeral in late June.

Stephenson, who is also a Hennepin County prosecutor, was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2019, and he currently co-chairs the House Ways and Means Committee. He has also authored a series of consumer protection bills and the 2023 bill that legalized recreational cannabis.

After Hortman’s blue district seat is filled in a special election on Sept. 16, the Minnesota House will return to an even 67-67 split between Democrats and Republicans. Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) has indicated that he will call a special session to pass more gun control measures in wake of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis last month. With the even split, Stephenson will be at the heart of negotiations with his Republican colleagues on an issue where the GOP is firm in their opposition.

In July, the gunman accused of murdering Hortman and her husband Mark was indicted on six counts of murder, stalking, and firearms violations. He plead not guilty on July 16. The gunman also attempted to kill state Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) and his wife Yvette, who both survived the attack.