>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHoX8E54jLg

Carnahan Resigns As MNGOP Chair

>134 views | Aug 19, 2021

Jennifer Carnahan, chairperson for the Republican Party of Minnesota, announced

Thursday night that she will resign amidst the controversy over her ties to an alleged

sex trafficker, and the handling of sexual harassment allegations.

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Anton Lazzaro indictment and calls for resignation

In August 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Anton Lazzaro, a prominent Republican political

operative and fundraiser in Minnesota, on child sex trafficking charges. Controversy ensued

when photos circulated publicly of Carnahan and Hagedorn with Lazzaro at events, including

the wedding of Carnahan and Hagadorn.[21] Lazzaro led a team that helped Carnahan

successfully campaign for the state party chair position starting in 2017.[22] In subsequent

years, Carnahan and Lazzaro had shared a political podcast and collaborated to advance

Republican party candidates in the state. In a statement released to the media after Lazzaro's

federal indictment, Carnahan condemned his alleged actions.[23] Several officials and

organizations in the Minnesota Republican party called for Carnahan's resignation in mid

August 2021 due to her association with Lazzaro and for other management concerns of the

state party.[24]

Carnahan resigned on August 19, 2021.[25]