Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell Resigns After Felony Burglary Conviction

July 23, 2025: Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell, 51, is set to resign from her position by early August 4, following her conviction last Friday on two felony charges: first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. Mitchell, a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party representing State Senate District 47, will use the coming week and a half to finalize her legislative duties and arrange healthcare for her son before her official departure, as confirmed by her attorney.

Mitchell’s conviction stems from an incident on April 22, 2024, when she was arrested at her stepmother Carol Mitchell‘s Detroit Lakes home. Bodycam footage from her arrest captured her telling an officer, “Clearly, I’m not good at this,” and that she was “just trying to get some of my dad’s things.” However, during her trial, she testified that her intention was not to steal, but to check on her stepmother, who has Alzheimer’s disease. The jury deliberated for just three hours before delivering a unanimous guilty verdict.

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Following the conviction, Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL) promptly called for Mitchell’s resignation, referencing Mitchell’s prior pledge to step down if found guilty. Murphy stated that the verdict brings clarity to the situation. Conversely, State Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson demanded Mitchell’s immediate resignation, criticizing the delay and alleging that Democrats kept her in office to secure crucial votes during the legislative session.

Mitchell’s resignation, combined with the recent unexpected death of GOP Senator Bruce Anderson, will significantly impact the narrowly divided Minnesota Senate, where Democrats hold a fragile one-seat majority. Her departure will trigger a special election in her district, setting the stage for a potentially highly contested political battle to fill the vacant seat.