The DFL is the dominant party in the state of Minnesota.
WASHINGTON — Two Minnesota lawmakers were targeted in what Gov. Tim Walz called a “politically motivated” attack Saturday.
State Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was the former Minnesota House speaker, and her husband were fatally shot in their homes. Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times.
Both lawmakers belong to Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012. He previously served as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota.
At the time of her death, Hortman was the top Democratic leader in the state Legislature. She was also a former House speaker.
What is the DFL party?
The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party is a political party exclusive to Minnesota but is affiliated with the national Democratic party.
It is one of two state Democratic Party affiliates with a different name than the national party. The other party is the North Dakota Democratic-Nonpartisan League Party.
The DFL controls half of Minnesota’s U.S. House seats, both Senate seats, the state House and Senate as well as the governorship under Walz.
Minnesota’s DFL party was created on April 15, 1944, after the Minnesota Democrats merged with the Farmer-Labor Party, according to the party’s official website. Former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey is believed to be the founder of the party after serving a key role in the merger of the two affiliations.
The party describes itself as working “tirelessly to enact progressive policies and provide a platform for those who need it the most.” It champions “stable employment with fair wages, to a proper education, to raise and provide for a family, to accessible and affordable healthcare, to live in safe communities, and to retire with dignity and security,” according to the DFL official website.
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