Minnesota House Democrats elected Rep. Zack Stephenson as their new caucus leader on Monday, ending a months-long vacancy after the assassination of former House Speaker Rep. Melissa Hortman.

Stephenson, a representative from Coon Rapids, was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2018. He’s an assistant Hennepin County prosecutor and was the key House sponsor of the 2023 bill that legalized recreational marijuana in Minnesota.

In a news release on his election as caucus leader, Stephenson said he was honored to receive his colleagues’ support and described Hortman as “irreplaceable” as a leader and 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,” he sai

See Full Page