The Ages Of Colin And Sophie: A Look At Melissa Hortman's Children And Family Legacy

The recent, tragic passing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman has brought renewed public interest to her personal life, particularly her supportive family and the ages of her two children. As of today, December 18, 2025, the most current information confirms that Melissa and her husband, Mark Hortman, were proud parents to two adult children, Colin and Sophie, whose ages were revealed in the wake of the devastating loss that shook the state of Minnesota.

The lives of high-profile political figures are often closely scrutinized, but few truly understand the balance between public service and private life. Melissa Hortman, a dedicated lawyer and the 61st Speaker of the Minnesota House, was known for her fierce commitment to her community and her role as a mother. This article provides a definitive, up-to-date profile on her family, focusing on the current ages of her children, Colin and Sophie Hortman, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

A Legacy Remembered: Melissa Hortman's Full Biography and Profile

Melissa Anne Hortman (née Haluptzok) was a towering figure in Minnesota politics, known for her sharp legal mind, her dedication to the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party, and her ability to lead the House of Representatives. Her life was a testament to lifelong public service and community involvement.

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• Full Name: Melissa Anne Hortman (née Haluptzok)
• Date of Birth: May 27, 1970
• Date of Passing: June 14, 2025
• Place of Birth/Residence: Fridley, Minnesota; raised in Anoka County.
• Education: Graduated from Blaine High School in 1988. She was a lawyer by profession.
• Spouse: Mark Hortman
• Children: Two adult children, a son named Colin and a daughter named Sophie.
• Political Role: 61st Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives (2019–2025). She also served as Speaker Pro Tempore.
• Community Involvement: She was a lifelong volunteer in her community, balancing her law practice with time at local schools and organizations.

Hortman’s political career was marked by her leadership in the Minnesota Legislature, where she championed progressive causes and was a key figure in shaping the state's legislative agenda. Her roots in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities provided a strong foundation for her understanding of constituent needs.

The Definitive Ages of Melissa Hortman's Children: Colin and Sophie Hortman

The core of Melissa Hortman's private world was her family. She and her husband, Mark Hortman, raised two children, Colin and Sophie, who have recently stepped into the public eye to honor their parents' memory. The most recent and confirmed ages for the Hortman children were released in an official statement following the tragedy in June 2025.

The children, who are both adults, represent a crucial part of the Hortman legacy, having grown up in a household deeply committed to law and public service. Their names are Colin and Sophie Hortman.

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Colin Hortman: Age and Role in the Family

Colin Hortman is the elder of the two children. According to the June 2025 statement, Colin's age was confirmed to be 30 years old. While Colin's specific professional path is kept private, his public statement alongside his sister demonstrated a profound love and respect for his parents, highlighting their role as "the bright lights at the center of our lives." His age places him firmly in the generation that grew up witnessing their mother's rise to one of the most powerful political positions in the state.

Sophie Hortman: Age and Public Presence

Sophie Hortman is the younger child, and she was confirmed to be 28 years old in the same public statement. Like her brother, Sophie's life details are largely private, but her presence at the candlelight vigil and the public lying in state ceremony at the Minnesota Capitol was a poignant display of her grief and pride. Her age, close to her brother's, suggests a close-knit family unit that supported the demanding career of the Minnesota House Speaker.

A Family's Heartbreak: The Hortman Children's Public Statement

The Hortman family was thrust into the national spotlight under the most tragic of circumstances. Following the fatal shooting of Melissa and Mark Hortman, their children, Colin and Sophie, released a joint statement that offered a heartbreaking glimpse into their private sorrow and the immense love they held for their parents.

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The statement, obtained by media outlets on June 16, 2025, confirmed the devastating news and served as a powerful tribute to their parents' lives. Their words were a testament to the warmth and dedication of Melissa and Mark as parents, not just as public figures. This moment of public grief provided a rare, personal connection for the public to the family of the Speaker.

The children wrote, "We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents... They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can't believe they're gone." This raw and emotional message resonated deeply, shifting the focus from the political figure to the loving mother and wife she was at home in the northern suburbs.

Speaker Hortman's Enduring Political and Community Impact

Beyond her role as a mother and wife, Melissa Hortman's impact on the state of Minnesota is undeniable. Her tenure as the Speaker of the House, beginning in 2019, solidified her reputation as a formidable leader in the DFL party. She was known for her commitment to progressive policies, including measures related to healthcare, education, and environmental protection.

Her work in the Minnesota Legislature was characterized by meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of legislative procedure. She balanced her professional demands with her personal life, often speaking about the importance of community service, which she practiced by volunteering in her local area for years.

The outpouring of condolences from colleagues on both sides of the political aisle underscored the respect she commanded. Representative Liz Lee, among others, publicly honored Melissa and Mark Hortman, describing the Speaker as a "brilliant and dedicated legislative leader who was passionate about her state, her community, and particularly, her family." This unified grief across the Minnesota Capitol serves as a powerful indicator of her enduring legacy.

The tragedy has not only highlighted the personal loss but also the void left in the political landscape. Her legacy will be carried on by those who worked alongside her, but most intimately by her children, Colin and Sophie, who now carry the weight of their family's name and memory.

Melissa Hortman's story is a poignant reminder of the human element behind the political title. She was a lawyer, a Speaker, a community volunteer, and, above all, a devoted mother to Colin and Sophie. While the circumstances of her passing are devastating, the memory of her dedication to public service and her profound love for her family will continue to inspire those in the state she served so faithfully.