BRAINERD — Longtime conservative activist Doug Kern of rural Brainerd announced he will run as a Republican for the seat left open by the resignation of ex-state Sen. Justin Eichorn.
Kern is the chairman of the Crow Wing Township Board and has run three small businesses. He challenged Rep. Josh Heintzeman in the Republican primary in 2022 in House District 6B.
In his announcement, Kern said faith, family and freedom are what Minnesota needs now more than ever. He focused on his anti-abortion stance and not wanting taxpayers to support abortions.
"As a leader in Crow Wing County & the surrounding area I will do everything possible to make MINNESOTA RED & RETIRE WALZ-ASAP," Kern stated.
Eichorn resigned Thursday, March 20, 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. Gov. Tim Walz is expected to soon call special election to fill the vacancy in Senate District 6. The district includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Brainerd and Baxter.
