Minnesota State Sen. Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) resigned from his seat Thursday after facing federal charges over the attempted solicitation of a minor.

Republicans and Democrats both said they were prepared to expel Eichorn had he not stepped down.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, announced Thursday that Eichorn submitted his resignation effective immediately. Republicans and Democrats in the chamber stood ready to expel Eichorn if he’d opted to remain a member.

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

The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) Board has called for a special reorganization meeting as a result. Eichorn was the chair of the advisory board. State Rep. Roger Skraba (R-Ely) and vice chair, initiated the action, according to a news release.

“As a result of today’s resignation by former Sen. Justin Eichorn from the Minnesota State Senate, he is no longer a state senator and therefore no longer the chair,” the agency said through the release. It declined to comment on Eichorn’s arrest in previous days. “dditional information about this meeting will be provided at a later time.”

Eichorn was arrested Monday in Bloomington after he allegedly texted with an undercover detective he believed to be a 17-year-old girl. Charging documents allege the Iron Range senator kept engaging as the question of age was brought up. He’s being held without bail awaiting a hearing scheduled for later Thursday.

In a letter to Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders, Eichorn said that his resignation was effective immediately.

“I must focus on personal matters at this time,” he wrote.

If convicted, Eichorn faces a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence on the federal charge. The state initially filed a charge, too, but dismissed it, ceding to federal authorities.

Republicans were swift in calling for Eichorn to step down. He also faced calls from Democrats and Gov. Tim Walz to resign.

The resignation triggers a special election to fill his seat, in a district that leans heavily toward Republicans. An election wouldn’t come until late in the session at the earliest. Democrats currently have a 34-33 edge.

MPR News contributed to this report.

This story was updated at 2:42 p.m.