Senate Republican attempt to expel Nicole Mitchell Fails 

Wednesday’s Minnesota Senate Floor Session kicked off with an attempt by Senate Republicans to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell from her position in the Minnesota Senate due to her recent arrest last month. Mitchell is accused of breaking into her stepmothers to steal items that belonged to her late father. Senator Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeview) brought the motion forward saying the citizens of Minnesota deserve to see their legislatures held accountable. 

Soon after, Senate President Bobby Joe Champion (D-Minneapolis) ruled that the motion is out of order and Duckworth appealed the ruling and asked for a roll call vote to overturn Champion’s ruling. Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) spoke in favor of appeal calling the process of the ethics complaint against Mitchell unprecedented. 

Senator Duckworth then made his final appeal to his constituents.  

The Minnesota Senate then held a roll call vote and Champion’s ruling was upheld by a vote of 34 to 33 with Senator Mitchell being the deciding vote. 

How area Senators voted: 

Mark Johnson-East Grand Forks (Reverse) 

Steve Green-Fosston  (Reverse) 

Rob Kupec-Moorhead  (Uphold) 

Jordan Rasmusson-Fergus Falls (Reverse)