Minnesota Senate Republicans File New Ethics Complaints Against Sen. Nicole Mitchell

Senate Republicans have filed new and updated ethics complaints against DFL Senator Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury, escalating scrutiny over her legal troubles.
At a press conference Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson announced a second ethics complaint, alleging Mitchell voted on her own expulsion from the Senate in January, a move Republicans argue was a clear conflict of interest. “How can a member cast a vote that determines their long-term ability to be in the Senate?” Johnson said.
The updated ethics complaint also includes a new felony charge filed against Mitchell by Becker County prosecutors last week. Authorities allege she had burglary tools, including a crowbar and flashlight, when she was arrested for breaking into her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home in April 2024. She had already been charged with first-degree burglary.
Mitchell pleaded not guilty and maintains her innocence. A judge has scheduled her trial for June, after the legislative session. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy defended Mitchell’s right to due process, saying the Senate will allow the legal process to play out before taking further action.
The Senate’s Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct now has 30 days to review the new complaints and determine the next steps.
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