How a CROWBAR Put Senate Majority AT RISK!
Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell has been convicted of felony first-degree burglary and burglary-tool possession—sending shockwaves through the state legislature and threatening the Democrats’ razor-thin majority in the Senate.
At a Glance
• Mitchell was convicted on July 18, 2025, for breaking into her stepmother’s home in April 2024.
• Police body-cam footage captured her admitting entry to retrieve personal items and keepsakes.
• She was also found guilty of possessing burglary tools including gloves, a crowbar, and a flashlight.
• Calls for her resignation have come from both parties, including the governor and Senate leadership.
• A resignation would trigger a special election with statewide political stakes.
Incident And Trial Outcome
Mitchell was arrested in the early morning hours of April 2024 after her stepmother reported a possible break-in at her Detroit Lakes home. Body-camera footage showed Mitchell dressed in black, carrying a flashlight with a sock over it, and equipped with a crowbar. She confessed to police at the scene, saying she wanted to recover her late father’s ashes and personal mementos.
In court, Mitchell recanted her initial confession, claiming she was concerned for her stepmother’s wellbeing, but the jury rejected that defense. Prosecutors highlighted her preparedness and possession of tools consistent with burglary. The conviction carries significant legal consequences, including potential prison time and the automatic suspension of her law license.
Watch a report: Sen. Nicole Mitchell found guilty in burglary trial • ABC News
Political Fallout And Legislative Impact
The conviction immediately intensified political pressure. Governor Tim Walz and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy called for Mitchell’s resignation to uphold legislative integrity. Republicans echoed that demand, warning that retaining a convicted felon could delegitimize the Senate’s authority.
The Democratic majority in the Minnesota Senate is a single seat, making Mitchell’s future pivotal. If she resigns or is expelled, a special election could tip control of the chamber. Legislative leaders must now navigate between ethical imperatives and maintaining political power.
Mitchell has yet to announce whether she will appeal, but the scandal underscores a deeper question: can a convicted lawmaker effectively represent constituents, or does continued service compromise public trust? The fate of Minnesota’s legislative balance may hinge on her decision in the coming days.