Coon Rapids’ Zack Stephenson Elected to Lead Minnesota House DFL

Coon Rapids’ Zack Stephenson Elected to Lead Minnesota House DFL

ST. PAUL — September 9, 2025 — The Minnesota House Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) caucus has chosen Rep. Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids as its new caucus leader. He succeeds Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who, along with her husband, was fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home on June 14.

Stephenson, now in his fourth term, co-chairs the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and has built a reputation on issues ranging from energy policy to consumer protection. His ties to Hortman run deep — he managed her first campaign in 2004, considered her a mentor, and served as a pallbearer at her funeral.

“I am honored to have the support of my colleagues to serve as caucus leader,” Stephenson said in a statement. “Speaker Hortman is irreplaceable — as a leader, a strategist, a colleague and a friend. While I’ve been chosen to lead, it will take all of us, working together, to move forward, honor Speaker Hortman’s legacy and build a Minnesota where everyone can succeed.”

A Closely Divided House

The DFL currently holds 66 seats, with a special election in District 34B set for September 16 to fill Hortman’s former seat. The contest between Xp Lee (DFL) and Ruth Bittner (GOP) is expected to produce a 67–67 tie in the House, maintaining the fragile balance of power and the chamber’s current power-sharing agreement with Speaker Lisa Demuth (R–Cold Spring).

Challenges Ahead

Stephenson takes the helm as lawmakers weigh a potential special session to address gun safety and school security following the August 27 Annunciation Catholic Church shooting. He will need to balance DFL priorities with bipartisan cooperation in a chamber split down the middle.

Leaders across the aisle acknowledged the weight of his new role. Speaker Demuth said she hopes to continue the spirit of “Team House” fostered with Hortman, while Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL–St. Paul) expressed confidence in Stephenson’s ability to lead during a difficult time.

Looking Forward

Stephenson is widely viewed as a potential future Speaker if the DFL regains control in 2026. For now, his focus is on carrying Hortman’s legacy forward while guiding his caucus through grief, uncertainty, and one of the most evenly divided legislatures in state history.

MinneapoliMedia