Section of Minnesota Highway 610 renamed in honor of Mark and Melissa Hortman

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (GRAY) – Minnesota State leaders officially unveiled the Hortman Memorial Highway on Thursday morning, as they designated a section of Highway 610 to honor the late Speaker of the House and her husband, Mark.

The Hortmans and their dog, Gilbert, were killed in a targeted act of political violence last summer, but state lawmakers say they wanted to cement their service to the community as a lasting legacy.

“No tribute that we could possibly come up with could fully capture the amazing legacy that Melissa leaves behind, or the hole that she leaves with all of us,” said DFL House Leader Zack Stephenson, “but this is at least one thing that we can do to make sure that her story and Mark’s story are remembered for years and years to come.”

The section of Highway 610— which runs between Coon Rapids and Brooklyn Park—will be named the Hortman Memorial Highway. The road runs straight through what was formerly Hortman’s district, and bears a special significance to Hortman’s political legacy.

“[One year] she came to us and said, ‘We need federal money for our highways in Minnesota, and there’s a special one out 610 that needs to be done,’” said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Several other bipartisan legislative proposals to create additional memorials are in the works as well. One initiative aims to create a new state park in the Hortmans’ name in the area around the State Capitol Complex.

“Melissa and Mark weren’t necessarily spotlight people, and so I think they would very much appreciate that we’re out here today and not tucked away in an office,” said Colin Hortman, son of Melissa and Mark, “and we’re on their highway, remembering them forever.”