ST. PAUL — The dates for the special election to fill the vacancy in Senate District 6 following Eichorn’s resignation are now set.
A writ of special election signed by Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday, March 25, says the special election will be April 29. A special primary election will be April 15 if necessary to narrow the field.
The candidate filing period opens Wednesday and runs through April 1.
Thus far, at least seven Republican candidates and two DFL candidates have announced their intentions to campaign for the open seat in Senate District 6, which covers parts of Cass, Crow Wing and Itasca counties and includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Brainerd and Baxter.
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 March 17 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.
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Contributed/Hibbing School DistrictThe March 4, 2026, vote would start the process of a closure, which would save the district an estimated $516,000. The Board will also give an update on contract negotiations with support staff. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe school district must now advertise the planned closure for two weeks before hosting a public hearing on the decision, which would go into effect this spring. -
Contributed/Canva Pro graphicAuthorities reported alcohol is believed to have been a factor. The building was determined to be unstable and unsafe in the immediate area of the crash. -
Contributed/Staples Fire DepartmentThe Staples Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming out of the building on the 400 block of Second Avenue Northeast, just before 8 a.m. Feb. 28, 2026.
