IRRR to select new board chair following Sen. Eichorn resignation

The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) announced in a March 20 press release that a special reorganizational meeting will be scheduled in the immediate future following the resignation of former Sen. Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids).

Sen. Eichorn has been a member of the IRRRB since he took office in 2017. He was unanimously elected as board chair on Feb. 25, 2025.

The IRRR provides funding to northeastern Minnesota businesses and communities to assist and drive economic growth. Numerous Cook County nonprofits, organizations, and governmental entities have received IRRR funding.

Minnesota State Representative District 3A Roger Skraba serves as vice chair of the IRRRB and initiated the call for a special meeting to reorganize the IRRRB to select a new chair, according to the press release.

A date for a special reorganizational meeting is yet to be determined. Additional information about the meeting will be provided at a later time, the press release stated.

Sen. Eichorn’s resignation follows his arrest this week after allegedly attempting to meet a minor for paid sex in Bloomington, Minn. He was arrested on March 17 in a sting operation with the Bloomington Police Department, as reported by the Duluth News Tribune.

Earlier today, Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) received Sen. Eichorn’s resignation. In a phone call with Governor Tim Walz, Johnson confirmed the resignation letter had been received and accepted. Sen. Eichorn’s resignation is effective March 20.

“This is the right thing to do for his family and the Senate,” Sen. Johnson said. “We are ready to move on and do the important work that needs to be done at the Capitol.”

According to a Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus March 20 press release, a motion to expel is not in order if the member has resigned.

Kalli Hawkins March 20, 2025