Amidst the turbulence of criminal allegations against Senator Nicole Mitchell, her legislative peers from the Minnesota Senate Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party have surfaced to vocalize their call for due process and restraint from premature judgment. Senator John Marty (DFL-Roseville), Senator Jen McEwen (DFL-Duluth), Senator Tou Xiong (DFL-Maplewood), and Senator Omar Fateh (DFL-Minneapolis) have collectively pressed for Senator Mitchell to receive equitable treatment to past officials in her position.
According to a statement issued on June 3rd, the senators noted, "In response to the calls for Senator Nicole Mitchell’s resignation, we ask that she be given the same rights and respect that all other Minnesota elected officials who have been charged with crimes have been given." Charged with a criminal offense, concerns have arisen over how Senator Mitchell’s situation is being handled, especially considering the absence of a conviction at this juncture. Sitting charged with crimes, many calls for her resignation seem to be politically motivated.
Despite the allegations presented against her in the criminal complaint, the senators' statement underscored a shared belief in Senator Mitchell's character. "The allegations against Senator Mitchell, as reflected in the criminal complaint, are out of character for the Nicole Mitchell we have come to know," they expressed.
Emphasizing the historical precedent, the senators assert that any Senate action should be deliberated following the courts' findings, taking a stance against the array of calls for Mitchell's immediate resignation. As stated in their message, "Calls for Senator Mitchell to resign at this juncture are premature and many appear to be driven by political considerations." On many issues including Veterans, Child Protection, and Environmental Protection, Mitchell's work has been adorned with accolades from her supporters.
The senators concluded their defense of Mitchell with an affirmation of her continued service. While the legal process unfolds, they stated, "We fully support and expect that Senator Mitchell will continue serving the people of Minnesota and her district."
