ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota House DFL caucus has chosen the person who will assume the leadership post held by late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.

Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids), who represents District 35A, was named Monday as the new House DFL Leader. The announcement completes a circle of sorts, as Stephenson worked on Hortman's early campaigns as he was entering the world of politics at the age of 18. The two became close friends and co-workers.

"It's a difficult thing," Stephenson said Tuesday in his first news conference as caucus leader. "Melissa Hortman was a member of this chamber for 20 years, and a leader of our caucus for 10 years. She's irreplaceable, the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history. But we walked out today as a united caucus, determined to c

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