Sen. Nicole Mitchell Resigns After Felony Conviction

Minnesota State Sen. Nicole Mitchell resigned on July 25, 2025, a week after being convicted of first-degree felony burglary and possession of burglary tools for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home in April 2024. Mitchell, a Democrat from Woodbury, had initially planned to resign by August 4 to complete legislative work and secure health insurance for her son but stepped down early amid bipartisan calls for her resignation. Her early departure enables Governor Tim Walz to call a special election, potentially impacting the DFL's narrow 33-32 majority in the Minnesota Senate. Two DFL state representatives, Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Ethan Cha, have already announced campaigns for the now-vacant District 47 seat. The governor is also expected to announce a special election for the late Republican Sen. Bruce Anderson’s seat. Mitchell is scheduled for sentencing in September and faces mandatory jail time under Minnesota law.