For House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson, his new role brings with it mixed emotions.

It's an honor, he says, to be chosen by his peers. But it's a reminder of why he is even in this position in the first place.

"I would give anything to not have this job and have Melissa Hortman back doing this job," Stephenson, who represents Anoka and parts of Coon Rapids, said in an interview Wednesday, less than 48 hours after his caucus elected him to steer their members going forward.

The moment is bittersweet and was emotional for Democrats who are still mourning Hortman, their longtime and beloved leader who was assassinated in her home along with her husband Mark in June. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded.

"One of the difficulties about having this job right

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