GOP Senator Justin Eichorn Faces Solicitation Charges in MN

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GOP Senator Justin Eichorn Faces Solicitation Charges in MN \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn was arrested in Bloomington for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution. Lawmakers from both parties called for his resignation, citing the seriousness of the charges. If Eichorn steps down, Democrats would gain control of the Minnesota Senate.

Minnesota Senator Arrested for Soliciting Minor — Quick Looks

Sen. Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) was arrested on March 17 in Bloomington.
He allegedly tried to solicit a 16-year-old girl for prostitution.
A police sting operation led to his arrest near Normandale Boulevard.
He was booked into jail but has not yet been formally charged.
Felony charges are pending from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Eichorn, a married father of four, recently backed a controversial bill.
GOP leaders called for his immediate resignation due to the allegations.
Democratic lawmakers also demanded he step down, citing public safety concerns.
His resignation would shift the Minnesota Senate majority to Democrats.
Police Chief Booker Hodges called for stricter penalties for such crimes.

Deep Look

Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn, a Republican representing Grand Rapids, was arrested on March 17 in Bloomington for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution. According to police, Eichorn, 40, engaged in online communication with an individual he believed to be a 16-year-old girl. Unbeknownst to him, he was actually speaking with an undercover detective.

Authorities arranged a meeting near the 8300 block of Normandale Boulevard in Bloomington, where Eichorn arrived in a pickup truck. Upon arrival, he was immediately taken into custody and booked into jail. While he has not yet been formally charged, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office confirmed that felony charges are pending. If convicted, Eichorn could face severe legal consequences, including prison time.

Eichorn has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2017 and is married with four children, according to his official biography. His arrest comes just days after he made headlines for co-sponsoring a bill that sought to classify “Trump derangement syndrome” as a recognized mental illness.

Lawmakers Demand Eichorn’s Resignation

Following his arrest, bipartisan condemnation was swift, with leaders from both parties calling for his immediate resignation.

Minnesota Senate Republican leadership released a strongly worded statement:

“We are shocked by these reports, and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation. Justin has a difficult road ahead, and he needs to focus on his family.”

MN GOP Chair Alex Plechasha echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Republicans hold elected officials to high moral and ethical standards:

“While Senator Eichorn is entitled to due process, the seriousness of these charges warrants his resignation. Public trust and accountability must come first.”

Democratic leaders also weighed in, with Minnesota DFL Executive Director Heidi Kraus Kaplan issuing a scathing rebuke:

“No one who solicits children belongs anywhere near public office or the State Capitol. The facts presented by the Bloomington Police Department make it clear that Senator Eichorn is an immediate danger to the public and must resign immediately.”

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) also emphasized the severity of the allegations:

“The felony allegation against Sen. Eichorn is deeply disturbing and raises serious questions that will need to be answered by the court, as well as his caucus and constituents.”

Law Enforcement’s Response & Call for Tougher Penalties

Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges did not mince words when addressing the arrest, making clear his department’s commitment to protecting minors from exploitation:

“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.”

Hodges also called for tougher laws against sex crimes involving minors, referencing a recent case involving Michael Gillis, another individual arrested in Bloomington for similar offenses. He urged state lawmakers to take such offenses more seriously and impose harsher penalties.

Political Implications: Senate Balance at Stake

Eichorn’s arrest carries significant political ramifications for the Minnesota Senate. With the chamber currently split 31-31 between Democrats (DFL) and Republicans (GOP), his resignation would tip the balance of power in favor of the Democrats.

This shift could have major legislative consequences, giving DFL lawmakers greater control over the state’s legislative agenda. While some Republican leaders have distanced themselves from Eichorn, others may seek to delay any resignation in an effort to maintain their current level of influence.

Meanwhile, another Minnesota lawmaker, DFL Senator Nicole Mitchell, is facing separate legal troubles. Her trial for an April 2024 burglary in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, is currently postponed until after the legislative session concludes.

Minnesota Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson previously commented on Mitchell’s case, arguing that legislators must be held to the highest ethical standards. However, with Eichorn now facing a far more serious felony charge, Johnson and other GOP leaders are under pressure to act swiftly.

Next Steps: Legal Process & Public Reaction

Eichorn remains in legal limbo as the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office prepares formal charges. If convicted, he could face significant legal penalties, including possible jail time and mandatory sex offender registration.

Public reaction to the case has been overwhelmingly negative, with bipartisan agreement that Eichorn’s alleged conduct is unacceptable. Calls for his resignation are growing, and political observers believe it is only a matter of time before he steps down.

While Eichorn is entitled to due process, the political and legal consequences of his arrest are already reshaping the landscape of Minnesota politics.