Quick Facts:

• Who: Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn, Republican, representing Grand Rapids.

• What: Arrested on March 17 for allegedly soliciting a 16-year-old girl for prostitution in Bloomington.

• When: March 17.

• Where: Bloomington, Minnesota.

• Political Activity: Recently introduced a controversial bill proposing that "Trump derangement syndrome" be classified as a mental illness.

• Status: Facing serious legal allegations; his political career now under intense scrutiny.

GOP state Sen. Justin Eichorn arrested on suspicion of soliciting sex with a 16-year old girl
GOP state Sen. Justin Eichorn arrested on suspicion of soliciting sex with a 16-year old girl

Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn, a Republican representing the state’s 6th District, is now at the center of a growing controversy following his arrest on March 17, 2025, in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Eichorn, once seen as a rising star within Minnesota’s Republican Party, is facing serious legal and political fallout after being accused of attempting to solicit a minor for prostitution. The case has sent shockwaves across the state’s political landscape and raised questions about his future in public office.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 7, 1984, Justin Eichorn grew up in northern Minnesota and has deep roots in the Grand Rapids community. He is the third generation in his family to be involved in a local outdoor retail business, which has long been a fixture in the area.

Eichorn attended Itasca Community College before transferring to Concordia University in St. Paul, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. After graduation, he worked in business management and eventually became involved in public service through the Grand Rapids Housing and Redevelopment Authority. His early involvement in housing policy and community development provided him with a platform to enter the political arena.

Political Career

Eichorn launched his political career in 2016 when he won election to the Minnesota State Senate, flipping a traditionally Democratic seat to Republican control. Since then, he has secured reelection in 2020 and 2022, representing a largely rural district in north-central Minnesota.

During his time in the Senate, Eichorn has served on several key committees, including Finance, Environment, Climate and Legacy, and State and Local Government. He is widely regarded as a conservative legislator, advocating for lower taxes, reduced regulations, and support for rural economic development.

In addition to his legislative duties, Eichorn made headlines in early 2025 for co-authoring a controversial bill that sought to classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a recognized mental disorder. The bill, seen by critics as a partisan stunt, further solidified his reputation as a staunch ally of the Trump wing of the Republican Party.

Personal Life

Off the Senate floor, Eichorn has portrayed himself as a family man. He resides in Grand Rapids with his wife, Brittany, and their four children: William, Benjamin (Benji), Isabelle (Bella), and Emmett. He often referenced his role as a father in campaign speeches and policy discussions, particularly when addressing issues related to education and public safety.

Eichorn has also been involved in local civic organizations and was known for his efforts to promote hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in his district, reflecting the values and interests of his constituents.

Read more: Where Prostitution Is Legal In Nevada

Arrest and Allegations

On March 17, 2025, Eichorn was arrested in Bloomington as part of a police sting operation targeting individuals attempting to solicit sex from minors. According to the Bloomington Police Department, Eichorn believed he was communicating with a 16-year-old girl online, who was in fact an undercover detective posing as part of the operation.

Authorities say Eichorn agreed to meet the individual at a hotel, where he was subsequently taken into custody. He has since been charged with felony-level solicitation of a minor to engage in prostitution.

The arrest has sparked immediate and widespread condemnation. Leaders from both major parties in Minnesota have voiced concern over the severity of the charges. The Minnesota Senate Republican leadership released a statement urging Eichorn to resign “immediately” to avoid further distraction and damage to the party and the legislative body.

Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, called the charges “deeply disturbing” and emphasized the need for accountability.

Read more: Where Is Prostitution Legal In The US?

Financial Standing

Public records show no major controversies or irregularities regarding Eichorn’s personal finances. He is known to be involved in his family’s outdoor supply business and has drawn a legislative salary as a Minnesota state senator. Specific figures regarding his net worth have not been disclosed publicly, but his financial profile appears typical of a mid-level public official.

Political Fallout: Calls for his Resignation

The empty seat of Sen. Justin Eichorn, R-Grand Rapids, in a Senate committee room Tuesday afternoon. Eichorn was arrested Monday by Bloomington police on suspicion of solicitation of a minor
The empty seat of Sen. Justin Eichorn, R-Grand Rapids, in a Senate committee room Tuesday afternoon. Eichorn was arrested Monday by Bloomington police on suspicion of solicitation of a minor

The impact on Eichorn’s political future is severe. Within hours of the arrest, calls for his resignation mounted, not only from Democratic opponents but from fellow Republicans who fear the damage to the party’s reputation. His arrest comes at a sensitive time, as Minnesota Republicans look to regain control of the state Senate in the 2026 elections.

Analysts suggest that even if Eichorn refuses to resign immediately, his political career is effectively over. “The charges are of such a serious nature that it’s hard to see a path forward for him in public office,” said Dr. Jennifer Dawson, a political science professor at the University of Minnesota. “This goes beyond partisan lines—there’s a fundamental breach of public trust.”

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

As of this writing, Eichorn has been released on bail and awaits his first court appearance scheduled for later this month. His legal team has declined to comment, and Eichorn himself has not issued a public statement addressing the allegations.

Should Eichorn be convicted, he could face significant prison time and permanent inclusion on the sex offender registry, which would effectively end any future in public service.

Conclusion

The arrest of Justin Eichorn marks a stunning fall from grace for a politician who, until recently, was seen as a steady Republican figure in Minnesota’s legislative ranks. His case underscores broader concerns about ethics and accountability in politics and serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a political career can unravel.

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