House DFL votes to remove John Thompson from caucus

After finding himself in legal trouble but refusing to resign, Minnesota House DFL leaders say Rep. John Thompson has now been removed from the caucus.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement Tuesday night:

"Rep. Thompson’s actions, credible reports of abuse and misconduct, and his failure to take responsibility remain unacceptable for a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. It would be best for Rep. Thompson, his family, and the institution for him to resign. In the absence of a resignation, the Minnesota House DFL has voted to remove Rep. Thompson from the caucus."

Thompson was convicted of misdemeanor obstruction of legal process in Hennepin County in July but was granted a delay in an ethics case against him in the Minnesota House. The embattled representative has also come under fire after he was cited for driving with suspended privileges in Minnesota for failure to pay child support and accused the St. Paul Police officer who pulled him over of racial profiling.

While Thompson is still part of the House, his expulsion from the caucus further isolates him and keeps him from certain meetings and resources.