Thompson Says He Won't Resign

By Deena Winter, Minnesota Reformer

July 18, 2021

Rep. John Thompson, DFL-St. Paul, is not going to resign, despite calls from numerous Democratic leaders, including Gov. Tim Walz, following news of domestic violence in his past.

“John Thompson was elected in November to do the will of the people and as a legislator that’s what he has gotten right to work and done,” said a press release from his former campaign manager, Jamar Nelson, who is working with Thompson. “These latest malicious accusations are an attempted political distraction orchestrated by both parties and an amplified showing of systematic racism and has no bearing and he’s doing the people’s work.”

Thompson’s criminal record came to light after he made news by claiming he was racially profiled by a St. Paul police officer during a July Fourth traffic stop. While handing the sergeant a Wisconsin driver’s license, a frustrated Thompson mentioned he was a state representative, body cam video shows.

“You have a Wisconsin license?” the officer asked.

Days later, Thompson alleged he was racially profiled at a memorial service for Philando Castile, his friend who was killed by St. Anthony police during a 2016 traffic stop. The St. Paul Pioneer Press wrote about his allegations, and Thompson has been caught up in a whirlwind of controversy since over whether he lives in the district he represents.

A police group called on the Wisconsin attorney general to investigate whether Thompson committed perjury when he renewed his Wisconsin driver’s license in November 2020. And former Secretary of State, now-state Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer, R- Big Lake, called on current Secretary of State Steve Simon to explain whether Thompson’s residency was verified when he filed for candidacy last spring.

This is a developing story; check back for updates.

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