No Conflict Found in Accusations Against Senator Champion, Review of Ethics Complaint is Still Pending

Minnesota Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL - Minneapolis) has been cleared of all allegations regarding a potential conflict of interest related to his pro bono legal work for the nonprofit organization Salem Inc and Rev. Jerry McAfee. Per Champion's request, the Senate Ethics Subcommittee conducted a review into the claims that Champion’s involvement with the organization presented a conflict of interest when he introduced a bill allocating $1 million in state grants to 21 Days of Peace, a related violence prevention program.

Champion requested the review following media reports, specifically from the Minnesota Reformer, that the senator said were inaccurate.

"We have had media outlets go from saying there was a conflict of interest requiring disclosure without reading the conflict-of-interest statute. Then we had another outlet attempting to outdo the other by saying the unfounded conflict of interest is really about fraud and corruption, when there hasn't been any," Champion said in a statement.

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Thursday's hearing found no evidence of wrongdoing on Champion’s part. The committee concluded that Champion’s actions were in line with his commitment to community service and that he did not benefit financially from his work with Salem Inc. The nonprofit provides mentorship, housing assistance, food security, mental health resources, and violence prevention to communities across the Twin Cities and is led by Rev. McAfee and Salem Inc., who Senator Champion previously provided pro bono legal services to.

In his closing statement, Champion expressed that the conclusion of this hearing was important to him as a matter of his reputation and integrity.

Champion's attorney also emphasized the importance of community involvement for public officials, asserting that the senator acted with integrity and transparency throughout the process. The outcome has been welcomed by Champion's supporters, who believe this incident highlighted the need for clarity in ethical standards for public officials.

Sen. Miller pushed for additional recommendation following the decision in compliance with Senate rules.

“It is difficult. Because we are all involved in our communities. We all do volunteer work.”

After a 30 minute recess the subcommittee recommended that despite no ethical violation, Senator Champion should disclose any potential conflicts of interest whenever authoring future bills.

There is a separate ethics complaint against Sen. Champion that is still pending. The complaint was filed by Sen. Michael Kreun (R-Blaine) on April 10 and is scheduled for review on May 5.