"Rising Political Violence and Division in America: Lessons From a Legacy of Leadership"

In a somber reflection following the tragic assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman in Minnesota, leaders from across the country gathered at the 2025 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit to address the growing crisis of political violence and division in America. The event highlighted the importance of leadership in bridging the partisan divide and promoting a culture of civility and respect.

Key Takeaways:

• The attacks in Minnesota were a stark reminder of the dangers of political violence and the need for leaders to prioritize civility and respect in their interactions with each other and the public.
• Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman's legacy of leadership served as a model for effective governance, emphasis on finding common ground, and treating opponents with dignity and respect.
• The Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy highlighted the importance of prioritizing work for Minnesotans over partisan differences, saying, "It's how you make government work for people."
• The Summit featured a video address from Senator John Hoffman, who emphasized the need for lawmakers to recommit themselves to governance over grievance, service over self, and action over anger.
• Gabby Giffords, the former Arizona Congresswoman who survived a 2011 assassination attempt, shared her personal story of recovery and resilience, emphasizing the importance of hope, courage, and collective action in the face of adversity.
• Author and journalist Michael Smerconish pointed to the nation's mental health crisis and broader societal factors driving division, including gerrymandering, self-sorting, and a lack of campaign finance reform.
• Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos highlighted the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the need for leaders to prioritize civility and respect in their public discourse.

Statistics:

• A gunman assassinated Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and severely wounded Sens. John Hoffman and Yvette on June 14.
• Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head by a gunman in 2011, killing six people and wounding 12 others.
• The nation is in the midst of a mental health crisis, with broad societal factors driving division.
• The majority of Americans are somewhere between left of center and right of center, but the dominant narrative often portrays a more extreme view.

Sources:

• National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit 2025
• Reuters Factbox: U.S. Gun Violence Homicides
• The Commonwealth Fund: United States Mental Health Care System Fails Patients
• American Psychological Association: Media Exposure, Dysfunctional Family Processes, and Aggression-Related Attitudes and Behavior