Convicted Felon in the Senate? Mitchell Verdict Draws Bipartisan Outrage

Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell has been convicted of felony burglary, more than a year after she was caught breaking into her stepmother’s home. According to Fox News, Mitchell was arrested in April 2024 after she entered the home in Detroit Lakes, claiming she was trying to retrieve her late father’s personal belongings. But a jury didn’t buy her explanation—and now, with a guilty verdict handed down, pressure is intensifying from both sides of the aisle for her to step down immediately.

Republican lawmakers wasted no time renewing their calls for Mitchell’s resignation. Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) said the jury’s verdict “only confirms the fact that Sen. Mitchell’s actions the night of April 22, 2024 failed to meet the level of ethical behavior we expect from elected officials.” He warned that every vote Mitchell cast while under indictment “leaves the body with a stain on its record.” Johnson declared that if Mitchell refuses to resign, she “must be expelled as soon as possible to protect the integrity of the Senate.”

Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) echoed that outrage, saying the conviction validates what has long been clear. “Senator Nicole Mitchell committed serious felonies and has no business serving in the Minnesota Senate,” he said. Jasinski sharply criticized Senate Democrats for what he called a partisan power grab, accusing them of shielding Mitchell to preserve her swing vote. “They kept her in office, used her deciding vote to push through their controversial and extreme agenda… That agenda is in law today because they used the votes of someone who is now a convicted felon.”

Johnson and Jasinski are just two of many elected officials now demanding Mitchell resign immediately—calls that grew louder as details of the case came to light. According to Fox News, bodycam footage played at trial showed Mitchell in a police cruiser telling officers, “I’m just trying to get some of my dad’s things,” and even admitting, “Clearly, I’m not good at this.” She carried a flashlight covered with a black sock and a backpack containing electronics, IDs, and personal items. Mitchell later testified she trespassed and misled police, but claimed it was out of concern for her stepmother, who she said has Alzheimer’s disease.

Even Democratic leaders have acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL) issued a measured statement following the verdict, saying Mitchell had been afforded due process and reiterating that Mitchell had previously pledged to resign if found guilty. “I expect her to follow through on that pledge,” Murphy said.

Mitchell’s background is a stark contrast to her current legal trouble. According to her biography, she is a 32-year military veteran who served with the Air Force Reserve’s Hurricane Hunters, retiring in 2024 as a lieutenant colonel. She built a civilian career in meteorology and law and has long been involved in public service, foster care, and community outreach.

But her accomplishments have been overshadowed by this high-profile conviction. According to Fox News, Mitchell now faces between six months and 20 years in prison. With no sentencing date yet set, the political fallout is still unfolding—but one thing is clear: bipartisan patience has run out.

The drumbeat is growing louder. From rank-and-file legislators to leadership on both sides of the aisle, calls for Senator Nicole Mitchell to resign are no longer requests—they’re demands.