ST. PAUL, Minn. — The State Capitol was abuzz that State Senator Nicole Mitchell was in jail in Detroit Lakes for house burglary. It was the same at the state National Guard headquarters. Mitchell was commander of the Air Guard’s meteorology wing. Nobody knew much except that Mitchell, 47, had been arrested early Monday. At the Capitol there was special concern among Democrats that their majority could be in jeopardy. Mitchell is a Democrat from Woodbury. Of 67 seats in the Senate, Democrat-Republican margin is 34-33. There many questions:
> What was Mitchell doing in Detroit Lakes in far western Minnesota.
> What possibly could explain the burglary charge.
> Would Mitchell be available for key Senate votes as the 2024 Legislature moves into its final weeks.
> Who has in interim command of the Air Guard’s 126th Weather Flight.
Mitchell, mother of three, was two years into her first Senate term.