Second DWI Arrest For Minnesota State Senator

Minnesota State Senator Tou Xiong Arrested On Suspicion Of Second DWI

Minnesota State Senator Tou Xiong Arrested On Suspicion Of Second DWI

Maplewood, MN – August 14, 2025: Minnesota State Senator Tou Xiong (DFL–Maplewood) was arrested early Thursday morning on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI), marking the second such arrest in his legislative career.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a trooper stopped Xiong’s Honda CR-V near Highway 36 and McKnight Road in Maplewood around 2:40 a.m. after observing signs of impaired driving. A subsequent breath test indicated Xiong’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .09, exceeding the state’s legal limit of .08.

Xiong was booked into Ramsey County Jail and released a few hours later. He has not yet been formally charged, with the case referred to the Maplewood city prosecutor’s office for review.

In a statement, Xiong said he was driving home from a family gathering when he was pulled over. He expressed remorse and apologized to his constituents and others he feels he has “let down,” saying he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.

Background: Previous DWI Arrest

This incident follows Xiong’s first DWI arrest in January 2022, while serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. In that case, he was pulled over in Blaine, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DWI, and received one year of probation and a fine. Xiong was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2023.

Significance

Repeat DWI offenses by public officials often draw heightened public scrutiny over accountability and judgment. This latest arrest renews concerns about the legislator’s conduct and may carry legal consequences pending the city prosecutor’s review.

MinneapoliMedia