Minnesota State Senator Resigns After Burglary Conviction, Democratic Senate Majority at Risk

Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell, a Democrat, plans to resign by August 4 following her conviction for first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools related to breaking into her estranged stepmother's home. Mitchell entered the home to retrieve belongings of her late father, including ashes, amid a family dispute, and has maintained she did not intend to steal. Her resignation will trigger a special election that could affect the narrow Democratic majority in the Minnesota Senate, currently 34-33. While some Republicans argue Mitchell's two-week notice period is unnecessary and a strategic move by Democrats to retain legislative control, Mitchell's attorneys state the time is needed to wrap up legislative duties and secure health insurance for her son. Governor Tim Walz is expected to call the special election once her resignation is official. Mitchell also plans to appeal her conviction, which carries a potential sentence ranging from six months to 20 years in prison.