# Governor Walz Unveils Hortman Memorial Highway Honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman

Date: 7 Nov 2026
Released by: Office of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

## MediaRelease.co Summary

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joined legislative leaders and members of the Hortman family to unveil signs designating Trunk Highway 610 as the Hortman Memorial Highway, honoring former House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman. Melissa Hortman, the longest-serving speaker of the Minnesota House, helped secure funding for Highway 610. The designation was set by legislation sponsored by Rep. Erin Koegel and Sen. John Hoffman, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation will install and maintain the signs.

## Original release

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today joined Minnesota legislative leaders and members of the Hortman family to unveil signs designating Trunk Highway 610 as the Hortman Memorial Highway. The designation honors the lives and legacy of Melissa Hortman, former House Speaker Emerita, and Mark Hortman. “Melissa was a remarkable leader, but more than that, she was a person who showed up for her neighbors, her community, and the people she loved,” said Governor Walz. “She helped build this highway because she believed in the north metro and the people who call it home. I hope that every time someone drives down Highway 610 and sees Melissa and Mark’s names, they’ll remember the lives they lived, the people they loved, and all they gave to Minnesota.” The memorial highway recognizes the Hortmans’ enduring connection to the north metro, where they lived and served. As a legislator, Melissa Hortman played a pivotal role in securing funding for Highway 610, helping create a vital transportation connection for the region. The designation also honors the extraordinary public service of Speaker Emerita Hortman, who served as the longest-serving speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Throughout her career, she worked across the aisle to advance policies including paid family and medical leave, reproductive protections, and clean energy initiatives that improved the lives of Minnesotans and helped shape the future of the state. The Hortman Memorial Highway designation was established through legislation sponsored by Representative Erin Koegel and Senator John Hoffman and championed through the legislative process by Transportation Co-Chair Representative Brad Tabke. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is responsible for installing and maintaining the memorial signs along the highway.

## Key details

- Issued by: Office of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
- Published: 7 Nov 2026
- Publisher country: United States
- Subject country/region: Minnesota (United States)

Original source: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/index.jsp?id=1055-773795
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