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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Minnesotans across the state will have a constitutional amendment on their ballots asking to increase the yearly allotment from the Permanent School Fund. For some, the measure is 20 years in the making. -
Plus: Beltrami County officials tour the under-construction jail facility slated to open in May 2027.
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Contributed/M StateThe closure announcement comes as the Minnesota State system announces plans to "right size" its operations over 50 campuses amid financial challenges. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEA public open house will be announced before the new Beltrami County Adult Corrections Center opens in May 2027.
