On Thursday, Minnesota Senate Republicans will initiate a motion to expel their fellow member, Sen. Justin Eichorn, in light of a federal criminal charge alleging he solicited sex from someone he believed to be 17, who was actually an undercover officer.
Eichorn, a Republican representing Grand Rapids, faces charges of attempted coercion or enticement of a minor. Prosecutors revealed that he responded to an online advertisement that was part of a Bloomington police operation aimed at combatting sex trafficking.
The reaction at the state Capitol was immediate following his arrest, with Senate Republicans urging him to resign, a sentiment echoed by lawmakers from both parties. The GOP caucus reinforced this call on Wednesday afternoon.
However, on Wednesday night, Senate GOP Leader Mark Johnson announced that they would not wait for his resignation and would put forth a motion to remove him from the chamber during the Senate’s floor session on Thursday.
“There is no question that these charges warrant expulsion,” Johnson stated. “We have a responsibility to hold our members to the highest standards, and this breach of public trust is so severe that we must take action. My hope is that this swift resolution will allow Senator Eichorn to focus on his family.”
To expel a member, Republicans will need support from Democrats to achieve the required two-thirds vote, which means 45 votes in favor are necessary; Republicans hold 33 seats, while Democrats possess 34.
Previously, the GOP attempted to expel Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, who faces felony burglary charges in state court for allegedly breaking into her stepmother’s home last April. She has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in June, facing pressure to resign.
Those attempts did not progress to a final vote due to procedural issues.
It remains uncertain how Democrats will respond to the motion on Thursday. DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy characterized the allegations against Eichorn as “deeply disturbing,” but did not explicitly call for his resignation.
Court documents reveal that Eichorn texted a number listed in an online ad published by law enforcement, inquiring about sex acts and pricing. Days after this initial contact, he was arrested during a scheduled meeting with an alleged teenager, during which officers discovered $130 in cash and a condom in his vehicle.
The criminal complaint indicates that in one text exchange, Eichorn was informed of the supposed age of the individual and responded, “It’s [sic] says age of consent is 16.”
If Eichorn resigns or is expelled, the balance of power in the chamber will remain the same, with Democrats maintaining their one-seat majority.
This story will be updated.
