UPDATE: Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell has been convicted of felony burglary following her arrest for breaking into her stepmother’s home in April 2024. This verdict was handed down today, July 18, 2025, and it has sent shockwaves through the political landscape as pressure mounts for her to resign.
Authorities report that Mitchell was apprehended while allegedly trespassing at her stepmother Carol Mitchell‘s residence in Detroit Lakes. During her trial, the senator admitted to lying to police about her intentions, claiming she entered the home to retrieve items belonging to her late father, including his ashes and sentimental belongings. The case has garnered significant media attention, especially as Mitchell faced scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle since her arrest.
Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, a fellow member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), expressed relief at the trial’s conclusion. “Senator Mitchell has been afforded due process, a trial by a jury of her peers, and that jury has delivered a verdict,” Murphy stated. “I expect her to follow through on her pledge to resign if found guilty of this crime.”
Mitchell’s actions have raised serious concerns about accountability among public officials. Footage from her arrest, which was played during the trial, shows her handcuffed in a police cruiser admitting, “Clearly, I’m not good at this,” while explaining her reasoning for entering the home.
The senator’s conviction carries serious repercussions, with sentencing expected to range from a minimum of six months to a maximum of 20 years in prison. No specific sentencing date has been confirmed yet, but the legal ramifications of this case could have lasting impacts on her career and the legislative agenda in Minnesota.
As this situation unfolds, all eyes are on what steps Mitchell will take next. Will she resign as promised, or will she attempt to maintain her position amid this controversy? Her future in public office hangs in the balance, making this a developing story that resonates with constituents and political observers alike.
