Minnesota state Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) was arrested Monday in Bloomington after allegedly attempting to solicit a minor for prostitution, according to police.
Arrest Details
The Bloomington Police Department reported that detectives posed as a 16-year-old girl and communicated with Eichorn, who allegedly arranged to meet her on Monday. Officers arrested the 40-year-old senator after he arrived near the 8300 block of Normandale Avenue. He was booked at the Bloomington Police Department jail and is expected to be transferred to Hennepin County Jail.
Eichorn was taken into custody on suspicion of soliciting a minor for sex, but as of Tuesday afternoon, formal charges had not yet been filed. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has not yet received the case for review, according to spokesperson Daniel Borgertpoepping.
Eichorn has not responded to multiple attempts for comment.
Calls for Resignation
Following the arrest, top state Republicans called for Eichorn’s immediate resignation.
“We are shocked by these reports, and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation,” the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus said in a statement. “Justin has a difficult road ahead, and he needs to focus on his family.”
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) called the arrest “deeply disturbing” and stated that it “raises serious questions that will need to be answered by the court, as well as his caucus and constituents.”
Political Fallout
This marks the second arrest of a Minnesota state senator in the past two years. In April 2023, Sen. Nicole Mitchell (DFL-Woodbury) was charged with felony burglary after prosecutors alleged she broke into her stepmother’s home. Mitchell has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Republicans have consistently called for Mitchell’s resignation, while Democrats argue she is entitled to due process. Eichorn’s arrest is expected to spark similar debates in Minnesota politics.
Eichorn, who was first elected in 2016, has served as a Republican senator representing Grand Rapids. His future in office remains uncertain as he faces potential felony charges.
