Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Sunday, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (D, MN-03) announced their guests for the State of the Union Address.
Congresswoman Kelly Morrison will be accompanied by Colin Hortman, the eldest child of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman, who were assassinated in a horrific act of politically motivated gun violence last June. Congresswoman McCollum will be accompanied by Colin Hortman’s wife, Alina Bachman Hortman.
In the months since the assassination of Melissa and Mark Hortman, Colin Hortman and his sister Sophie have honored their parents’ legacy by emphasizing the importance of political civility – especially among our elected leaders, calling for us to love our neighbors and treat one another with kindness and respect, and encouraging Minnesotans to do something, big or small, to make their community just a little better for someone else.
“My parents, Mark and Melissa Hortman, were taken from us in an act of political violence, and that reality is something my family lives with every single day,” said Colin Hortman. “Both of my parents lived lives of service — to each other, to their communities, and above all, to our family. My parents taught me to show up for your community, stand up for your values, and always follow the golden rule — treat others the way you’d want to be treated. What has stunned me, especially in recent years, is how far our politics have drifted from that principle.
“I am calling on our leaders — and all of us — to reject language that dehumanizes, to model disagreement without condemnation, and to remember that we are all human beings first,” continued Hortman. “My parents believed public service was about showing up for people and working across differences. As a family, we always watched the State of the Union, regardless of the political party of the President. I am proud to attend and honor my parents’ legacy.”
Democratic members of Minnesota’s House Delegation – including Representatives McCollum, Omar, and Craig – will host a press conference on Tuesday, February 24 at 8:30 AM ET at the House Triangle to highlight the stories of their State of the Union guests. Additional details and a live stream link are forthcoming.