Friends and neighbors,

As we approach the end of the legislative session, the Minnesota Senate faces a new kind of challenge. By now you have probably heard that Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL-Woodbury) was arrested and charged with first-degree felony burglary.

Senator Mitchell is accused of breaking into her elderly stepmother’s home and attempting to steal items that she wanted since her father’s death. She was reportedly found hiding in the basement and dressed in all black. These facts and the details from the criminal complaint and 911 transcript are shocking and troubling.

This type of behavior is unbecoming of a member of the Minnesota Legislature and the public expects legislators to meet a high standard of ethical conduct. The actions of Senator Mitchell betray the trust of the constituents who elected her, and she should resign immediately. Democrats and Republicans must come together to restore integrity to the Minnesota Senate and restore trust with the people of Minnesota.

Senate Republicans filed an ethics complaint against Senator Mitchell and moved to immediately launch an investigation. Senate Democrats, however, continue to come to the defense of Senator Mitchell as she has returned to the Capitol and continues to vote on important legislation. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats voted this immediate investigation down and Senator Mitchel cast the deciding vote.

Allowing Senator Mitchell to continue to vote while being charged with a felony is absolutely unacceptable. Those who break the law should not be in a position to continue to make laws for our state. With Senator Mitchell casting the deciding vote, the legitimacy of all bills we pass is questionable. These actions are damaging to the reputation of the Minnesota Senate, and we must restore integrity to the institution for the people of Minnesota.

The Senate Ethics Subcommittee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, May 7 to discuss the complaint against Senator Mitchell. I will continue to share updates on the situation as it continues to unfold.

Contact My Office

Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. I will keep your thoughts and concerns in mind during the final weeks of the 2024 legislative session. You can contact my office at sen.bruce.anderson@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-5981.

Sincerely,

Bruce Anderson