Democratic Sen. Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury, Minnesota is facing charges of burglary for allegedly breaking into her estranged stepmother’s house. She claimed she did so because her stepmother refused to give her sentimental items belonging to her late father, including his ashes. Mitchell’s attorney has stated that she deserves due process and has not expressed any intention to resign. Her status as a lawmaker has caused a conundrum for her fellow Democrats, who hold a one-seat majority in the Senate and need her vote to pass legislation without bipartisan support. Despite being excluded from caucus meetings and committees, Mitchell has resumed voting on the Senate floor, including on matters affecting her own fate.
Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson has called on Mitchell to resign, stating that elected officials should be held to a higher standard. He believes that it is not appropriate for Democrats to protect her solely for political purposes. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, from St. Paul, has stated that the caucus has not asked Mitchell to resign and that she is entitled to due process both in the ethics subcommittee and in court. The committee is expected to discuss the case and review police reports, social media comments, and an interview with the stepmother to determine the next steps. The panel, made up of two Democrats and two Republicans, could recommend anything from a reprimand to expulsion if they do not deadlock in a tie.
Mitchell’s next court date is set for June 10, and before the ethics panel addresses her case, they are expected to consider a dormant complaint against Republican Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen for sending an email during a debate on trans rights in the 2023 session. The email contained a link to a medical school video showing gender-transition surgery on minor children, which was described as graphic and disturbing. The ethics panel may not reach a decision on Mitchell’s case on Tuesday but will likely review all relevant information before making any recommendations. Democratic Party leaders in Minnesota have expressed a desire for Mitchell to resign by June 8 to allow her seat to be filled in a special election on election day, ensuring that Democrats have a better chance of retaining the district in a high-turnout November election.
The Senate Ethics Committee will be tasked with determining the appropriate course of action for Mitchell, which could range from a reprimand to expulsion if the panel reaches a decision. Senate Republicans have forced debates on attempts to remove Mitchell, slowing down legislative progress as the adjournment deadline approaches. The ethics panel will review all available information, including police reports and statements from involved parties, before making any recommendations. Republicans have called on Mitchell to resign, while Democrats have emphasized the importance of due process and a fair investigation into the charges brought against her. Mitchell’s fate in the Senate and her continued participation in votes on the floor have sparked discussions on the integrity of elected officials and the responsibilities they hold to the public trust.
