Minnesota Senate Republicans filed a formal ethics complaint Friday against Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, alleging serious conflicts of interest stemming from his work as a legislator and attorney.
The complaint notes that Champion authored bills steering state funds to an organization led by Rev. Jerry McAfee, who he represented as a private attorney.
GOP lawmakers raise concerns about public trust
“This is a clear and deeply troubling case of a public official using their legislative position to potentially benefit their private legal clients,” said Sen. Michael Kreun, R–Blaine. “At a minimum, this is a conflict of interest that warranted disclosure. At worst, it’s an abuse of public office for personal and professional gain.”
The complaint alleges that Champion used his elected office to benefit his private legal clients—namely Rev. McAfee and nonprofit organizations Salem, Inc. and 21 Days of Peace —without disclosing the relationships. According to the complaint, 21 Days of Peace is a project of Salem, Inc.
The complaint includes references to legislation and committee activity led by Champion to secure public funding for 21 Days of Peace. According to the complaint, these connections were not publicly acknowledged until uncovered by local media.
Ethics panel asked to investigate potential rule violations
The complaint was submitted to Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL–St. Paul, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct.
The Republicans are asking the subcommittee to determine whether Champion’s actions violated Senate rules barring conduct that discredits the Senate or erodes public confidence in government.
In addition to Kreun, the complaint was signed by Republican Sens. Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa, Steve Green of Fosston, Eric Lucero of St. Michael, Paul Utke of Park Rapids, and Nathan Wesenberg of Little Falls.
Sen. Champion, who also serves as Senate President, previously chaired the Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct but stepped down from that role following revelations about his professional ties to the organizations at the center of the complaint. His legal representation of Rev. McAfee and Salem, Inc. overlapped with his legislative advocacy, GOP lawmakers allege.
Republicans call for swift action
Kreun said the matter transcends partisan politics. “Public trust is the foundation of our democracy,” he said. “If legislators are allowed to advocate for legislation benefiting their clients without disclosing those relationships, it sets a dangerous precedent. We urge the Ethics Subcommittee to act swiftly and make clear that both the Senate Rules and Code of Ethics apply to everyone.”
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
