PEQUOT LAKES — Josh Gazelka, son of former state Sen. and Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, announced a bid for Minnesota Senate District 6 in a Friday, March 21, Facebook post. The seat was left vacant by the resignation of Justin Eichorn.
In his two-minute campaign announcement video, the former small business owner and current marketing executive said he never thought he'd be running for state senate.
"I'm stepping up because I believe in this district," he said.
"And I believe it deserves a senator who will fight for small businesses, strong families, safe communities and economic opportunity and not somebody that will play political games."
On the "About" page of his campaign website, Gazelka highlights his Christian faith, family and community involvement.
He's expressed support for a number of conservative issues, including parental rights, limited government, the 2nd Amendment, pro-life and supporting President Trump's "radical policies."
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.
-
Plus: More fraud uncovered in state-run Medicaid services, but total is disputed; and MPCA to study sulfate levels in Minnesota waters. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe agency did not issue a determination on permits at U.S. Steel’s Keetac mine, which is expected in February 2026 ahead of the Legislature convening. -
Contributed/Michelle Griffith / Minnesota ReformerOfficials cast doubt on a federal prosecutor’s estimate that fraud in state-run Medicaid programs since 2018 could total over $9 billion. -
Contributed/Michelle Griffith / Minnesota ReformerProviders in 14 “high-risk,” state-run Medicaid programs being audited by the state have billed $18 billion since 2018, and “half or more” is possibly fraudulent, Joe Thompson said.
