Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (East Grand Forks) released the following statement responding to the announcement from Sen. Nicole Mitchell (D-Woodbury) that she needed two weeks before she resigned from her seat after a jury convicted her of two felony counts.

“Senator Mitchell was convicted of two felonies; she doesn’t get to give the Senate two weeks’ notice. Democrats shielded Mitchell for 15 months to protect their political power, but a jury needed just three hours to confirm what was already clear: she shouldn’t be a senator. Not after April 22, 2024. Not in January of 2025. And not today.

“The only reason Mitchell is still in office is because Democrats needed her vote to pass their agenda and refused to hold her accountable during session. They put political power ahead of Minnesotans, and Mitchell continues to put her personal interests ahead of institutional integrity.”

Senate Republicans attempted to expel Sen. Mitchell from the Senate several times since her arrest, however, Senate Democrats blocked each attempt with their votes.