Minnesota Lawmaker Convicted of Burglary Plans to Resign, Ending Democratic Majority

A Minnesota state senator who was convicted of burglary said on Monday that she would resign from the Legislature by Aug. 4. Her departure would leave the chamber with equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans until a special election can be held to fill her seat and break the tie.

By stepping down, Senator Nicole Mitchell, a Democrat, is likely to avoid the possibility of being removed from office. The decision also gives her party a chance to replace her and regain a majority if they win a special election. Ms. Mitchell carried her district in the suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul by a nearly 18-point margin in 2022.

Ms. Mitchell was arrested in April 2024 and accused of breaking into her stepmother’s home. She maintained her innocence after her arrest, and for more than a year resisted calls by Republicans for her to resign or be expelled. Even so, she was limited to working on the periphery of the Legislature. Though her fellow Democrats continued to rely on her vote as she awaited trial, Ms. Mitchell no longer participated in caucus meetings and did not have committee assignments this year.

After a jury in Becker County convicted Ms. Mitchell on Friday of two felony charges, legislative leaders from both parties said they expected her to resign. Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, is expected to call a special election in the district, which is considered solidly Democratic.

Ms. Mitchell faces up to 20 years in prison on the more serious charge on which she was convicted. She has been allowed to remain free ahead of her sentencing.

Ms. Mitchell announced her resignation on Monday in a statement distributed by one of her lawyers, Dane DeKrey. The statement said she planned to work on finishing up legislative projects, helping staff members find new employment and arranging new health insurance for a family member before resigning on or before Aug. 4.