News Room

SAINT PAUL – Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has appointed Justin Erickson as the new Deputy Secretary of State for Operations. In this role, Erickson will oversee Legal, Business Services, Human Resources, and IT operations for the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. Deputy General Counsel Lauren Bethke will step into the role of General Counsel for the office.

“Justin brings a wealth of relevant experience and relationships that will enable him to help lead our office effectively and Lauren comes to the position with an impressive record and a deep understanding of our legal needs,” said Secretary Simon. “I am confident they will continue to provide exceptional work to support the needs of all Minnesotans.”

Erickson served as General Counsel for the office since May 2024. Before that he was the Deputy General Counsel for the Office. Erickson has also served in a variety of roles within state government and private practice, including the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. He has also clerked for judges at the state and federal courts. Erickson has a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Wartburg College and a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.

Bethke joined the office in 2024. She has served in various government and nonprofit roles, including with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Revisor of Statutes, and Seventh Judicial District. She is an alumna of the Mitchell Hamline School of Law and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.