Benton County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
35 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 27 Benton County races, led by the Benton County Commissioner District 2 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 2Nonpartisan race · Edward "Ed" Popp
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Edward "Ed" Popp Nonpartisan
Edward "Ed" Popp appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Commissioner District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Edward "Ed" Popp.
Edward "Ed" Popp is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Commissioner District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageCommissioner District 3Nonpartisan race · Steven J. Heinen
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Steven J. Heinen Nonpartisan Incumbent
Steven J. Heinen appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Steven J. Heinen.
Steven J. Heinen is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageAuditor/TreasurerNonpartisan race · Mary Lewandowski · Christine Scherbing
Mary Lewandowski and Christine Scherbing are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Auditor/Treasurer.
Mary Lewandowski Nonpartisan
- Careful attention to detail and strong financial oversight in the auditor-treasurer role
- Responsive service and clear communication with county residents
About Mary Lewandowski
Former Sartell City Council member Mary Lewandowski is running for Benton County Auditor/Treasurer, per St. Cloud Live. She has more than 25 years of management experience overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets, financial analysis and payroll, and holds a management degree from the College of St. Benedict, per the same source. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Christine Scherbing Nonpartisan
Christine Scherbing is the sitting Benton County Auditor-Treasurer, per the county's official staff directory, and has filed 2026 campaign finance reports as a candidate for the office. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Auditor/Treasurer, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · James "Jay" Dingmann · Joel M Schmidt
James "Jay" Dingmann and Joel M Schmidt are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Sheriff.
James "Jay" Dingmann Nonpartisan
- Wants deputies prepared, proactive, and focused on public safety, not politics
- Supports training and tools that match the demands of the job for deputies
- Emphasizes staying ahead of rural crime, mental health crises, and emerging threats
Per the campaign site.
About James "Jay" Dingmann
James "Jay" Dingmann is a senior sergeant with the Benton County Sheriff's Office who commands the Stearns-Benton SWAT Team, per his campaign site. He announced his candidacy in January 2026 after Sheriff Troy Heck said he would not seek reelection, per KNSI.
Joel M Schmidt Nonpartisan
- Improving communication and operational systems for faster emergency response
- Ensuring deputies have the tools, technology, and training to respond safely
- Modernizing the sheriff's office with smarter systems and technology
Per the campaign site.
About Joel M Schmidt
Joel Schmidt has more than 20 years of public safety experience in central Minnesota, including as a 911 dispatcher and field training officer, a drug task force investigator, a SWAT crisis negotiator, and a volunteer firefighter and EMT, per the campaign site.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Kathleen Reuter
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kathleen Reuter Nonpartisan Incumbent
Kathleen Reuter is the appointed Benton County Attorney, having served in the county attorney's office since 2000, per WJON. She holds degrees from Illinois College and Drake University Law School. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Kathleen Reuter is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageJudges
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 2Nonpartisan race · Michael Leeser
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michael Leeser Nonpartisan
Michael Leeser is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Clay County District Court September 3, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Clay County attorney, 2014-2024, and former president of the Clay County Bar Association, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michael Leeser is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 8Nonpartisan race · Matthew E. Engelking
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Matthew E. Engelking Nonpartisan
Matthew E. Engelking is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Stearns County District Court by Governor Tim Walz on July 22, 2019, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously chief of the juvenile division and senior attorney in the Stearns County Attorney's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Matthew E. Engelking is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 9Nonpartisan race · Michelle Winkis Lawson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michelle Winkis Lawson Nonpartisan
Michelle Winkis Lawson is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Becker County District Court Nov. 14, 2012, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously chief assistant and interim Clay County Attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michelle Winkis Lawson is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 11Nonpartisan race · Andrew Pearson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Andrew Pearson Nonpartisan
Andrew Pearson is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Stearns County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Nov. 1, 2013, and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a Seventh District public defender, 1999-2007, and an attorney at Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Andrew Pearson is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 12Nonpartisan race · Kevin M. Miller
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kevin M. Miller Nonpartisan
Kevin M. Miller is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Otter Tail County District Court May 7, 2018, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Becker County attorney and owner of the Miller Law Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Kevin M. Miller is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 13Nonpartisan race · Michelle Clark
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michelle Clark Nonpartisan
Michelle Clark is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Douglas County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on June 21, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Douglas County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michelle Clark is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 14Nonpartisan race · Meriel Lester
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Meriel Lester Nonpartisan
Meriel Lester is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Morrison County District Court September 12, 2025, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously assistant chief of the domestic violence unit and an assistant attorney in the Stearns County Attorney's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Meriel Lester is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 15Nonpartisan race · Ole Tvedten
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Ole Tvedten Nonpartisan
Ole Tvedten is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed September 9, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously criminal division chief and an assistant attorney in the Stearns County Attorney's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Ole Tvedten is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 21Nonpartisan race · Robert J. Raupp
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Robert J. Raupp Nonpartisan
Robert J. Raupp is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Benton County District Court June 3, 2013, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Benton County Attorney, 2000-2013, and first assistant Benton County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Robert J. Raupp is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 22Nonpartisan race · Doug Clark
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Doug Clark Nonpartisan
Doug Clark is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Wadena County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Nov. 29, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an attorney and supervising attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Doug Clark is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 24Nonpartisan race · Karl L. Schmidt
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Karl L. Schmidt Nonpartisan
Karl L. Schmidt is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Benton County District Court on July 29, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Benton County Attorney and senior assistant Benton County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Karl L. Schmidt is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 26Nonpartisan race · Mark J. Herzing
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Mark J. Herzing Nonpartisan
Mark J. Herzing is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Mille Lacs County District Court Feb. 1, 2019, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Mille Lacs County attorney and a teacher and coach in the Cambridge-Isanti and Milaca school districts, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Mark J. Herzing is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 27Nonpartisan race · Tammy L. Merkins
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tammy L. Merkins Nonpartisan
Tammy L. Merkins is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Clay County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on June 1, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Becker County Attorney and a partner at Thorwaldsen, Malmstrom, Sorum, Majors & Merkins, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Tammy L. Merkins is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 28Nonpartisan race · Antoinette C. Wetzel
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Antoinette C. Wetzel Nonpartisan
Antoinette C. Wetzel is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Morrison County District Court July 23, 2018, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously ran the Wetzel Law Firm and served as a qualified neutral mediator and city attorney for Royalton and Little Falls, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Antoinette C. Wetzel is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 30Nonpartisan race · Jade M. Rosenfeldt
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jade M. Rosenfeldt Nonpartisan
Jade M. Rosenfeldt is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Clay County District Court by Governor Tim Walz on November 1, 2019, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a shareholder attorney at Vogel Law Firm, 2008-2019, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Jade M. Rosenfeldt is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageDistricts and boards
Soil and Water Supervisor District 2Nonpartisan race · Joseph Jordan
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Joseph Jordan Nonpartisan
Joseph Jordan appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Joseph Jordan.
Joseph Jordan is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Benton County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Benton County is split across 6 Minnesota Senate and House districts.
Find your districts by addressMinnesota Senate: 3 districtsDistricts 10, 13, 14
Minnesota Senate District 10Nathan Wesenberg (R) · Tara Killen (D)
Nathan Wesenberg Republican Incumbent
- Protecting Second Amendment rights
- Opposing government overreach
- Supporting parents' role in their children's upbringing
Per the campaign site.
About Nathan Wesenberg
Wesenberg is a wildlife biologist and lifelong resident of Little Falls, Minnesota, who serves as the incumbent state senator for District 10, per the campaign site. He points to his record opposing government overreach and supporting gun rights during his time in office, per the campaign site.
Tara Killen Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Tara Killen is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Minnesota Senate District 10 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Nathan Wesenberg (Republican), Tara Killen (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 10; Nathan Wesenberg is the sitting member, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory (senate.mn). Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageMinnesota Senate District 13Jared J. Gapinski (R) · Trent C Dilks (D)
Jared J. Gapinski Republican
- Supports government accountability and fiscal responsibility
- Supports reducing regulations that raise the cost of living
Per the campaign site.
About Jared J. Gapinski
Jared J. Gapinski served as a firefighter for 19 years, including seven years as fire captain in Sauk Rapids, per campaign site. Jared J. Gapinski describes himself as a business owner with budget management experience, per campaign site.
Trent C Dilks Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Trent Dilks is a military veteran and the DFL-endorsed candidate for Minnesota Senate District 13, per St. Cloud Live. His campaign emphasizes grassroots outreach and describes itself as independent of corporate funding, according to his campaign site.
Jared J. Gapinski (Republican), Trent C Dilks (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 13. Not on the November ballot: Jeff R. Howe, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageMinnesota Senate District 14Aric Putnam (D) · Bernie Perryman (R)
Aric Putnam Democratic-Farmer-Labor Incumbent
- Affordable housing
- Safe, thriving neighborhoods
- Support for schools
Per the campaign site.
About Aric Putnam
Aric Putnam has served as the State Senator for the St. Cloud region since January 2021, per his campaign site. Putnam is a professor of communication at Saint John's University and the College of St. Benedict and has taught for more than twenty-five years, per his campaign site. Putnam earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, per his campaign site.
Bernie Perryman Republican
- Supports accountability and transparency in government spending
- Supports tax relief, including permanently ending the tax on seniors' Social Security benefits
Per the campaign site.
About Bernie Perryman
Bernie Perryman is a two-term member of the Minnesota House of Representatives who owns and operates two Batteries Plus stores in St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids, per her campaign site. Perryman previously was part owner and CEO of the beverage distributor C&L Distributing and served as Chair of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, per her campaign site. Perryman is running for Minnesota Senate District 14, per her campaign site.
Aric Putnam (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Bernie Perryman (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 14; Aric Putnam is the sitting member, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory (senate.mn). Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageMinnesota House: 3 districtsDistricts 10B, 13B, 14B
Minnesota House District 10BJeff Larson (D) · Isaac Schultz (R)
Jeff Larson Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Support rural economic revitalization, including help for small businesses and farmers
- Improve health care access and affordability for farmers and small business owners
- Strengthen funding equity for rural schools
Per the campaign site.
About Jeff Larson
Larson is a business owner and nonprofit leader who has served three terms on the Milaca School Board, per the campaign site.
Isaac Schultz Republican Incumbent
- Wants to lower taxes and reduce what he describes as wasteful government spending
- Supports abortion restrictions, gun rights and religious liberty protections
Per the campaign site.
About Isaac Schultz
Isaac Schultz is a third-generation auctioneer who operates the family business, Schultz Auctioneers, according to his campaign site. He represents House District 10B, which includes Milaca and Foley and parts of Benton, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Morrison counties. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Jeff Larson (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Isaac Schultz (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 10B; Isaac Schultz is the sitting member, per the Minnesota House of Representatives's official member directory (house.mn.gov). Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageMinnesota House District 13BDawn Loberg (R) · Justin Doyle (D)
Dawn Loberg Republican
- Supports eliminating the state tax on Social Security income
- Supports reducing wasteful government spending
- Focuses on housing, employment and retirement affordability
Per the campaign site.
About Dawn Loberg
Loberg is a small-business owner with a background in marketing, sales and strategic planning, and previously supported manufacturers through her work at Enterprise Minnesota, per the campaign site. She is based in Sartell in Central Minnesota, per the campaign site.
Justin Doyle Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Wants rural areas to have more clinics and hospitals so health care access does not depend on where someone lives
- Supports reforming school funding so rural districts are not disadvantaged by smaller local tax bases
- Prioritizes protecting Minnesota's lakes, rivers and groundwater
Per the campaign site.
About Justin Doyle
Justin Doyle has worked on farms, in the woods, and on railroads and highways throughout central Minnesota, according to his campaign site. He is the DFL candidate for House District 13B, which includes Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Avon, Cold Spring, Albany, Paynesville, Kimball and Holdingford.
Dawn Loberg (Republican), Justin Doyle (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 13B. Not on the November ballot: Tim O'Driscoll, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageMinnesota House District 14BZachary "Zach" Dorholt (D) · Sue Ek (R)
Zachary "Zach" Dorholt Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Supports policies that ease everyday costs for working families
- Supports expanding affordable health care, including mental health services
- Supports fully funded, equitable public schools
Per the campaign site.
About Zachary "Zach" Dorholt
Zachary Dorholt is a mental health professional with degrees in community development and counseling psychology from St. Cloud State University, per campaign site.
Sue Ek Republican
- Supports law enforcement
- Focuses on improving the local economy
- Focuses on fighting fraud in government
Per the campaign site.
About Sue Ek
Sue Ek is a longtime St. Cloud resident and communications professional with more than 30 years supporting women, families and nonprofit organizations, per campaign site. Sue Ek has served on the City of St. Cloud's Transportation Infrastructure Advisory Board, per campaign site.
Zachary "Zach" Dorholt (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Sue Ek (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 14B. Not on the November ballot: Dan Wolgamott, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageSee your full ballot
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Who is on the ballot in Benton County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Benton County sample ballot 2026: see where the county auditor/treasurer, county sheriff and commissioner candidates stand on the budget and health care. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
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