In a significant political shift, Senator Justin Eichorn has officially resigned from his position in the Minnesota Senate, leading to his removal from the chairmanship of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. This decision comes on the heels of his recent arrest in a troubling underage prostitution sting operation, raising serious concerns across the political landscape. The information was reported by Ryan Faircloth and Allison Kite from the Minnesota Star Tribune on March 20, 2025.
Senator Eichorn, a Republican from GOP, resigned just before the morning session of the Senate at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. This abrupt departure comes as the state grapples with the implications of his alleged actions. Notably, Eichorn's resignation positions the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party with a two-seat advantage in the Senate until a special election is scheduled to fill his vacant seat. As of now, no date has been announced for this crucial election.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, representing DFL-St. Paul, addressed the Senate following Eichorn’s resignation, emphasizing the bipartisan recognition of the "threat of Eichorn’s predatory behavior." Murphy stated, “Republicans and Democrats came together to recognize the threat of Eichorn’s predatory behavior, and we were ready to act.” She expressed concerns that Eichorn's alleged actions could have endangered Senate interns, underscoring the need for immediate action to protect individuals within the Capitol.
According to criminal complaints, Eichorn was involved in an undercover operation where he responded to an online advertisement placed by law enforcement. It is reported that he inquired about rates and availability for sexual services. Eichorn was arrested on Monday evening near the 8300 block of Normandale Boulevard, where he allegedly expected to meet an underage girl. Upon his arrest by Bloomington police, officers discovered two cellphones, a condom, and $129 in cash in his pickup truck.
The news of Eichorn's arrest prompted swift calls for his resignation from various political figures, including Governor Tim Walz. Walz emphasized, “You cannot prey on children and expect to get away with it.” Notably, the planned vote to expel Eichorn from the Senate would have marked an unprecedented move, as no Minnesota legislator has been ousted in modern history. Typically, legislators resign before facing expulsion; Eichorn's case deviates from this norm.
Previous instances of resignation under pressure include former Senator Dan Schoen, who stepped down in 2017 amid allegations of sexual harassment, and then-Representative Tony Cornish, who resigned after multiple reports of sexual propositions from lobbyists. Eichorn’s arrest marks him as the second Minnesota state senator within the past year to face felony charges, following Senator Nicole Mitchell, who is currently charged with two felonies related to a break-in at her late father's home.
In January, Senate Republicans attempted to expel Senator Mitchell over her burglary charges, but Democrats deemed the motion out of order, advocating for her right to due process. When pressed on the contrasting reactions to Eichorn and Mitchell, Murphy highlighted the stark differences between their situations, stating, “It is largely a family situation” regarding Mitchell’s case. She noted, “She was allegedly in the home of her father to retrieve ashes… She will have her day in court. She doesn’t pose a risk.”
As the political fallout from Eichorn’s resignation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Minnesota Senate and how this incident will impact upcoming elections and legislative actions.
Contributions to this story were made by Louis Krauss, Paul Walsh, and Kim Hyatt from the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Ryan Faircloth is a seasoned politics and government reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune, specializing in Minnesota political affairs. Allison Kite is also a dedicated reporter for the same publication, covering significant local developments.
