ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Senate Republicans have called for the immediate resignation of Senator Justin Eichorn following his arrest for allegedly attempting to solicit a minor for prostitution. The 40-year-old politician from Grand Rapids was taken into custody late Monday, March 17, 2025, in Bloomington after communicating with an undercover detective posing as a 17-year-old girl.
The Bloomington Police Department reported that Eichorn was arrested without incident outside his vehicle after detectives arranged a meeting under the pretense of discussing a potential encounter. As of Tuesday afternoon, March 18, Eichorn remained in custody at the Hennepin County Jail awaiting formal charges, which are expected to include a felony count of soliciting a minor for prostitution.
In a statement released by the Senate’s Republican caucus, they expressed their shock regarding the allegations. “We are shocked by these reports, and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation,” the statement read. “Justin has a difficult road ahead, and he needs to focus on his family.” Colleagues across the aisle have echoed these sentiments, recognizing the serious implications of such allegations on public office.
The developments come as Senator Eichorn is currently serving his third term in the Minnesota Senate, having first been elected in 2016. Neither Eichorn nor his office have made public statements regarding the situation, and inquiries directed at them have gone unanswered.
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges did not hold back in his criticism of Eichorn’s actions, calling the situation “deeply disturbing.” He made clear the seriousness with which his department treats such offenses: “As a 40-year-old man, if you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someone’s child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up,” said Hodges. His comments reinforce the police department's stance on protecting minors from potential exploitation.
In addition to the alarming nature of the allegations against Eichorn, the context surrounding his arrest adds another layer of intrigue. Just last spring, Democratic Senator Nicole Mitchell faced her own legal troubles when charged with burglary for allegedly breaking into her estranged stepmother's home. Responses from Senate leadership indicate a cautious approach regarding her case, as they have refrained from calling for her resignation in light of the pending legal process. “The felony allegation against Senator Eichorn is deeply disturbing, and raises serious questions that will need to be answered by the court, as well as his caucus and constituents,” Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy stated, drawing parallels between the two situations.
In the wake of Eichorn's arrest, various political figures and constituents are left grappling with how such actions reflect on their elected officials. Minnesota DFL executive director Heidi Kraus Kaplan remarked, “No one who solicits children belongs anywhere near public office or the State Capitol,” underscoring the sentiment that Eichorn's presence in the legislature is untenable given these serious accusations.
Interestingly, prior to the news surrounding his arrest, Eichorn had recently drawn attention for proposing legislation that would classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a state-recognized mental illness. This proposal had elicited mixed reactions, showcasing the contentious nature of political discourse in Minnesota.
As the unfolding situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Senate and the public will navigate the implications of Eichorn’s actions and whether he will comply with the calls for resignation that have quickly gained traction from his own party.
The increasing scrutiny over legislators and their conduct highlights a critical moment for political accountability in Minnesota, where public trust may hang in the balance following such distressing revelations.
Senator Justin Eichorn’s future in the Senate now hinges not only on the legal proceedings ahead but also on how his party and constituents respond to this significant breach of public trust.
