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.
-
Plus: Former Bemidji teacher sentenced for child sex abuse material; Firefighters in region respond to grass fires; Eighth District Democrats endorse Trina Swanson; and Bemidji State alumni brave cool weather to replant the campus. -
Scott Rodgerson/UnsplashThe deputy was shot May 4, 2026, on a call in Max, northwest of Deer River and east of S. Lake. The suspect is in custody, and the incident is under investigation. -
Contributed/Tingey Injury Law Firm - UnsplashAustin Claseman, 31, Bemidji, is a former charter school teacher and board member. He received a three-year sentence for distributing and possessing child sex abuse material. -
Contributed/Michelle Griffith / Minnesota ReformerThe senior senator released over 40 proposals to both eradicate fraud and streamline how services are delivered to Minnesotans.
