Sen. Champion seeks ethics review amid conflict concern

Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion has requested an advisory opinion from the Senate Ethics Subcommittee regarding potential conflicts of interest tied to his legal work for Rev. Jerry McAfee and funding bills he sponsored for McAfee's nonprofit, 21 Days of Peace. Champion, who represented McAfee pro bono in multiple court cases, has authored legislation providing millions in state grants to McAfee's organization. In light of the allegations, he has temporarily stepped down as chair of the ethics subcommittee, a position he held while advocating for these funds. The Senate Rules Committee voted unanimously to replace him with Sen. Sandy Pappas during this review. While Champion maintains that his legal work concluded before the legislative session, critics, including Minnesota GOP Chair Alex Plechash, are calling for his resignation and a full audit of his sponsored bills. The ethics panel is expected to examine the situation and provide guidance on any wrongdoing.