Originally published 9:36 a.m. March 20th, 2025
Updated 11:16 a.m. March 20th, 2025
(KNSI) — Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) has resigned from his position following his arrest on Monday for soliciting a minor for sex.
Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) says he is aware Eichorn signed a letter of resignation effective immediately Thursday morning and he has accepted it. Johnson says in a phone call with Governor Tim Walz that he also received the letter and has accepted it.
“This is the right thing to do for his family and the Senate,” said Senator Johnson. “We are ready to move on and do the important work that needs to be done at the Capitol.”
The motion to expel will not go forward as Senator Eichorn has resigned.
Eichorn was arrested Monday in Bloomington when he allegedly went there to meet up with who he thought was a 17-year-old girl but turned out to be a police investigator. He is facing felony charges in both Hennepin County and U.S. District Court.
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(KNSI) — Senate Republicans will make a motion this morning to expel Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) after he was charged with soliciting a minor for sex.
Eichorn was arrested Monday in Bloomington when he allegedly went there to meet up with who he thought was a 17-year-old girl but turned out to be a police investigator.
Prosecutors say Eichorn answered an online ad on a website known for prostitution and had messaged back and forth with the person over six days, asking for explicit pictures and how much different acts would cost. When he showed up for the meeting, he was taken into custody. Investigators say they found two cell phones with $129 in cash and a condom in his car. He is facing felony charges in both state and federal court.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz told reporters on Wednesday that he saw Republicans come out and immediately call for Eichorn to step down.
Another Senator, Nicole Mitchell is also facing a felony burglary charge after she was caught inside her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home last April. Mitchell said she was there for a welfare check and to get some of her late father’s belongings, including his ashes. Police found Mitchell dressed all in black with a sock covered flashlight and said she came in through a basement window. Governor Walz also called for her resignation after that incident, but she so far has refused. The DFL has declined to call for her resignation and a vote to expel her failed as the caucus has a one seat advantage. Party members say they need to hear the outcome of the criminal case first. Mitchell successfully petitioned the court to have her case tried after the end of the legislative session in May.
St. Cloud area Senator Aric Putnam issued a statement following Eichorn’s arrest, saying, “I am sure that every Minnesotan is deeply disturbed by the allegations that State Senator Justin Eichorn attempted to pay for sex with a child. We all know that such behavior is morally repugnant. It hurts people, but it is also a gross violation of the public trust. In light of the severity of these allegations, I believe it is in the best interest of the community for Justin Eichorn to resign immediately. My thoughts are with those impacted by his decision, and I hope they find the support and healing they need.”
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