Former MN House candidate announces plan to run for Eichorn's vacant seat

BRAINERD — Emily LeClaire of Brainerd is planning to run for the vacant seat left by the resignation of Justin Eichorn from the Minnesota Senate on Thursday, March 20.

LeClaire made the announcement on her candidate Facebook page, which was originally for her 2024 run for the Minnesota House.

In a letter, LeClaire said it about about this time last year when she was deciding to run for House District 6B as a DFLer. She challenged Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, who defeated her and third-party challenger Troy Scheffler. She said campaigning last year opened her eyes to what Minnesotans have in common.

"We all want our children to be safe at their school. We want to take care of our veterans, those people who courageously raised their hand to volunteer to preserve our freedom," LeClaire wrote. "We need to have healthcare we can rely on, a safe and affordable place to sleep and food to eat. We work hard. We care for one another. Our state is brought together by far more than that which seems to separate us."

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Minnesota Secretary of State's Office

Eichorn resigned Thursday under pressure from both state parties and numerous individual lawmakers and the promise of a vote to expel him by the Minnesota Republican Senate Caucus. He was arrested Monday in a law enforcement sting operation after he allegedly attempted to solicit a 17-year-old for paid sex, who turned out to be an undercover officer.

Eichorn's departure from the Senate means Republicans now have 32 members, while the DFL has 34. Minnesota law states Gov. Tim Walz shall call a special election to fill the vacancy in Senate District 6. The district includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Brainerd and Baxter.