GOP state Sen. Justin Eichorn resigns after federal charge accusing him of soliciting a minor for sex
State Sen. Justin Eichorn submitted his letter of resignation on Thursday, GOP Leader Mark Johnson said in a statement, following a federal criminal charge accusing him of soliciting sex from someone he thought was 17, but turned out to be an undercover cop.
The move comes after Eichorn's colleagues in the Republican caucus said they would move to expel him from the chamber if he did not step down. Democrats were prepared to join them to clear the two-thirds majority hurdle needed for expulsion.
Eichorn, a Republican from Grand Rapids, is charged with attempted coercion or enticement of a minor. Prosecutors said he answered an online ad that was part of an operation targeting sex trafficking by Bloomington police and other law enforcement.
The fallout at the state capitol was swift following his arrest. Senate Republicans called on him to resign, as did other lawmakers across party lines in both chambers. The GOP caucus reiterated that call on Wednesday afternoon.
Later that day, Johnson said they would bring forward a motion to remove him Thursday morning during the floor session. That is now moot since he submitted his resignation letter.
"This is the right thing to do for his family and the Senate," he said. "We are ready to move on and do the important work that needs to be done at the Capitol."
Johnson added he confirmed Gov. Tim Walz received his letter of resignation.
On Thursday morning, the Senate DFL caucus joined Republicans calling for him to step aside, calling the details of the felony allegations "horrifying."
"Arranging to pay for sex with a child is an unthinkable abuse of power, and an abuse of the public trust. It is something that no Minnesotan can or should tolerate," the senate Democrats said in part.
The Senate GOP has previously tried to expel Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, who is charged with felony burglary in state court for allegedly breaking into her stepmother's home last April. She has pleaded not guilty and will stand trial in June and she has resisted calls to step aside. Those efforts didn't advance to a final vote due to procedural setbacks.
According to court documents, Eichorn texted the number posted and inquired about the sex acts and the cost. Days after initial contact, police arrested him Monday during an arranged meeting between Eichorn and the purported teenager, during which officers found $130 cash and a condom in his car.
The criminal complaint said Eichorn in one text exchange was alerted of the person's age and replied "It's [sic] says age of consent is 16."
With Eichorn's resignation, the balance of power in the chamber remains unchanged — Democrats will still have their one-seat majority.
Walz will have to call a special election to fill the vacancy.
This story is developing and will be updated.
