On Thursday, State Senator Justin Eichorn submitted his letter of resignation, as confirmed by GOP Leader Mark Johnson. This decision follows serious federal criminal charges accusing Eichorn of soliciting sex from an individual he believed to be 17 years old, who turned out to be an undercover police officer. The resignation comes after Eichorn’s Republican colleagues indicated they would pursue expulsion from the chamber if he did not voluntarily step down.
Eichorn, a Republican from Grand Rapids, faces charges of attempted coercion or enticement of a minor. Prosecutors allege that he responded to an online advertisement as part of a police operation aimed at combating sex trafficking, conducted by Bloomington police and other law enforcement agencies. Following his arrest, the fallout at the state capitol was immediate and widespread.
Senate Republicans, along with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, swiftly called for Eichorn's resignation. The GOP caucus reiterated their demand late Wednesday afternoon, and Johnson announced plans to introduce a motion for Eichorn's removal during the Thursday morning session. However, this motion became irrelevant upon the submission of his resignation letter.
Mark Johnson expressed that resigning was "the right thing to do for his family and the Senate." He emphasized the need for the legislature to "move on and do the important work that needs to be done at the Capitol." Johnson confirmed that Governor Tim Walz had received Eichorn's resignation letter.
On the same morning, the Senate DFL caucus joined their Republican counterparts in calling for Eichorn to step down, labeling the allegations as "horrifying." They stated, "Arranging to pay for sex with a child is an unthinkable abuse of power and a violation of public trust that no Minnesotan can or should tolerate."
The Senate GOP has previously attempted to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell, a DFL member from Woodbury, who faces felony burglary charges for allegedly breaking into her stepmother's home last April. Unlike Eichorn, Mitchell has pleaded not guilty and is set to stand trial in June, resisting calls for her resignation. Efforts to advance her expulsion did not progress due to procedural hurdles.
According to court documents, Eichorn engaged in text exchanges regarding the sex acts and the associated costs. He was arrested during a pre-arranged meeting with the supposed teenager, where law enforcement discovered $130 in cash and a condom in his vehicle. The criminal complaint also revealed that Eichorn, when informed of the individual's age, responded with a text referencing the age of consent.
With Eichorn's resignation, the balance of power in the Minnesota Senate remains unchanged, as Democrats will continue to hold a one-seat majority. Governor Walz will now be tasked with calling a special election to fill the vacancy left by Eichorn. This story is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
