On Thursday, Minnesota Senate Republicans are expected to initiate a motion to expel their colleague, Senator Justin Eichorn, following a federal criminal charge alleging he solicited sex from an individual he believed to be 17, who was actually an undercover officer.
Senator Eichorn, a Republican representing Grand Rapids, faces charges of attempted coercion or enticement of a minor. Prosecutors stated that he responded to an online advertisement that was part of a sting operation conducted by Bloomington police and other law enforcement agencies targeting sex trafficking.
The consequences at the state Capitol were immediate after his arrest. Senate Republicans, along with legislators from various parties, called for his resignation. On Wednesday afternoon, the GOP caucus reiterated this demand.
However, on Wednesday evening, Senate GOP Leader Mark Johnson announced that they would not postpone action for his resignation and would move to remove him from the chamber during the Senate’s floor session on Thursday.
“There is no doubt that these charges warrant expulsion,” Johnson stated. “We have an obligation to uphold the highest standards for our members, and this breach of public trust is so significant that we must take action. I hope this swift resolution allows Senator Eichorn to focus on his family.”
To successfully expel someone, Republicans will require support from Democrats to surpass the two-thirds vote threshold. This entails 45 members voting in favor; Republicans currently hold 33 seats, while Democrats have 34.
The GOP previously attempted to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, who is facing 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, resisting calls to step down.
These attempts did not progress to a final vote due to procedural hurdles.
How Democrats will vote on Thursday’s motion remains uncertain. DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy classified the allegations against Eichorn as “deeply disturbing,” although she refrained from explicitly calling for his resignation.
According to court records, Eichorn contacted the number listed in an online ad posted by law enforcement to inquire about sexual acts and their prices. Police arrested him during a prearranged meeting with a supposed teenager, where they discovered $130 in cash and a condom in his vehicle.
The criminal complaint revealed that Eichorn, in one message exchange, was informed of the person’s alleged age and replied, “It [sic] says age of consent is 16.”
If Eichorn resigns or is expelled, there would be no change in the balance of power within the chamber — Democrats would maintain their one-seat majority.
This story will be updated.
