Push for Nicole Mitchell To Resign Receives Vote

(LibertyInsider.org) – Last month, Minnesota state Senator Nicole Mitchell (D) was arrested on suspicion of burglary after allegedly breaking into her stepmother’s house. She was charged with a felony and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Shortly after the news broke, the Minnesota GOP called for her to resign; she refused. Recently, the state Senate held a vote on whether or not she should step down.

On Tuesday, Minnesota’s upper chamber voted on a motion brought forth by Sen. Karin Housley (R). The “formal request for the resignation” failed along party lines. Mitchell was there to cast a vote defending herself as well. Republicans were upset at the vote, chiding their Democratic counterparts. The state’s GOP head, David Hann, accused the Democrats of displaying “a disturbing commitment to retaining power” over removing someone they feel isn’t fit.

Minnesota State Sen. Nicole Mitchell's vote helps defeat call for her own resignation. https://t.co/Hi8nxuAlv4

— Common Cause Minnesota (@commoncausemn) May 2, 2024

However, while her job might be spared for now, Mitchell is still facing an ethics investigation. Senate Republicans filed a complaint, which the Ethics Committee is set to take up on May 7. Additionally, Mitchell has been stripped of all committee assignments and cannot attend caucus meetings until the investigations — criminal and Senate — are complete.

The senator was arrested on April 22 and initially reportedly told police that she was there because her stepmother had cut off all ties and she wanted to grab some of her deceased father’s belongings, including his ashes. She later took to social media and said her visit to her stepmother’s house was to check on her because she reportedly has Alzheimer’s, and Mitchell learned of concerning news.

Police found Mitchell in the basement of the Detroit Lakes home clad in all black, with a flashlight and a backpack that contained laptops and other belongings. She appeared in court the following day and was released on several conditions, including one that she does not have any contact with her stepmother.