Clay County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
35 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 26 Clay County races, led by the Clay County Commissioner District 4 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 4Nonpartisan race · Julian Dahlquist · Scott Steffes
Julian Dahlquist Nonpartisan
- Preserving current county employee benefits, pensions and collective bargaining rights
- Protecting assistance programs and supporting public safety investments
- Maintaining infrastructure including roads, bridges and flood mitigation
Per the campaign site.
About Julian Dahlquist
Dahlquist owns a business consulting Democratic and progressive campaigns from the local to congressional level and has organized for local and regional campaigns across multiple election cycles, per the campaign site. He previously served as Clay County DFL chair and on Moorhead's Charter Commission, and holds degrees in art photography and philosophy from MSU Moorhead, per the campaign site.
Scott Steffes Nonpartisan
Filed for Clay County Commissioner District 4, according to Minnesota Secretary of State candidate filing records. No campaign website or platform statement could be located. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Scott Steffes and Julian Dahlquist advanced from the August 11 nonpartisan primary with about 45 and 38 percent, eliminating Josh Amundson, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified results; the top two meet on the November 3 ballot.
Full race pageCommissioner District 3Nonpartisan race · Thomas Berglind · Jenny L. Mongeau
Thomas Berglind and Jenny L. Mongeau are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Clay County Commissioner District 3.
Thomas Berglind Nonpartisan
- Hold the line on the county levy
- Represent all of District 3, from rural townships to Moorhead, with steady management of county infrastructure and services
- Honest, plainspoken stewardship of public money, with no other elected office sought
Per the campaign site.
About Thomas Berglind
Thomas Berglind runs a small business, has served on the Sabin City Council since 2013 (currently as vice mayor), and has volunteered as a firefighter for 20 years, per InForum. He is challenging incumbent Commissioner Jenny Mongeau for the Clay County District 3 seat. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Jenny L. Mongeau Nonpartisan Incumbent
- Strengthening county services
- Investing in infrastructure
- Positioning the county to meet growing needs
About Jenny L. Mongeau
Jenny Mongeau has served on the Clay County Board of Commissioners representing District 3 since 2015 and chairs the board's Audit/Investment Committee, per the county's official website and InForum. She is seeking reelection in 2026. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Clay County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · Mark Empting
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Mark Empting Nonpartisan
- Emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and leadership that listens to the community
- Highlights the professionalism of his office's deputies, correctional officers, and staff
About Mark Empting
Mark Empting is the incumbent Clay County Sheriff, in law enforcement since 1997 and sheriff since 2018, seeking a third term, per Valley News Live. He has been a member of the Dilworth Fire Department since 1991, where he currently serves as fire chief. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Mark Empting is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Clay County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Amber Gustafson · Brian Melton
Amber Gustafson and Brian Melton are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Clay County Attorney.
Amber Gustafson Nonpartisan
- Says public safety must remain a top priority and repeat, violent offenders must be held accountable
- Wants to address the link between mental health, addiction, and crime through intervention strategies
- Plans to partner with law enforcement, defense attorneys, and community organizations
Per the campaign site.
About Amber Gustafson
Amber Gustafson is a Moorhead native and former Seventh Judicial District judge who resigned the bench in 2021 after her husband, West Fargo Police Lt. Adam Gustafson, died, to raise their three children, per her campaign site and KFGO. She has been a licensed Minnesota attorney for nearly 20 years and served eight years in the Minnesota Army National Guard.
Brian Melton Nonpartisan
- Keeping the county safe through experienced prosecution and sound judgment
- Providing steady leadership under pressure
- Supporting victims and working with law enforcement and community partners
Per the campaign site.
About Brian Melton
Brian Melton is the Clay County Attorney seeking re-election, with nearly 30 years prosecuting cases in the county and more than 50 jury trials, per the campaign site. He is a retired U.S. Army colonel who commanded more than 800 soldiers in Iraq and received the Bronze Star, per the campaign site. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, per the campaign site.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Clay County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
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 3Nonpartisan race · Randy Schellack
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Randy Schellack Nonpartisan Incumbent
Randy Schellack appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Clay County Soil and Water Supervisor 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 Randy Schellack.
Randy Schellack is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Clay County Soil and Water Supervisor District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSoil and Water Supervisor District 4Nonpartisan race · Robert Anderson · Jerald Butenhoff
Robert Anderson and Jerald Butenhoff are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Clay County Soil and Water Supervisor District 4.
Robert Anderson Nonpartisan
Robert Anderson was raised on a farmstead south of Glyndon and graduated from Glyndon-Felton High School, per his statement in the Clay Soil and Water Conservation District's 2026 booklet of statements. He says he served on the district board before and is running for one term only, per the same statement. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Jerald Butenhoff Nonpartisan Incumbent
Jerald Butenhoff is a longtime farmer who grew up on his family farm outside Barnesville and has served as an Alliance Township supervisor for 37 years, per his statement in the Clay Soil and Water Conservation District's 2026 booklet of statements. He holds the District 4 seat and is the board's treasurer, per the county's district board page. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Clay County Soil and Water Supervisor District 4, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Clay County is split across 5 Minnesota Senate and House districts.
Find your districts by addressMinnesota Senate: 2 districtsDistricts 1, 4
Minnesota Senate District 1Mark Johnson (R) · Bjorn Solberg (D)
Mark Johnson Republican Incumbent
- Supports reducing regulatory hurdles for small businesses
- Supports policies to attract and retain workers and families in Northwestern Minnesota
Per the campaign site.
About Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson is a partner in Johnson Concrete Construction, a third-generation family business in East Grand Forks, and in a small law firm, per his campaign site. Johnson earned a degree in Finance and Economics from Bethel University and a J.D. from the University of North Dakota, per his campaign site. Johnson is a candidate for Minnesota Senate District 1, per his campaign site.
Bjorn Solberg Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Support family farms and rural economic development
- Expand affordable childcare for families and small businesses
- Protect funding for rural hospitals, emergency services and schools
Per the campaign site.
About Bjorn Solberg
Bjorn Solberg is an entrepreneur in agricultural marketing who acquired Hugh's Gardens LLC, an organic agriculture business that works with family farms, per the campaign site. He holds a degree in Secondary Education for Social Studies from Concordia College and has worked as a substitute teacher and basketball coach, per the campaign site. He has held leadership roles with the Halstad Business League and the Clay County Farmers Union and received the 2023 Great Plains Food Bank Hunger Relief Champion award, per the campaign site.
Mark Johnson (Republican), Bjorn Solberg (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 1; Mark Johnson 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 4Rob Kupec (D) · Austin Peterson (R)
Rob Kupec Democratic-Farmer-Labor Incumbent
Rob Kupec is the sitting Democratic-Farmer-Labor senator for Minnesota Senate District 4, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory.
Austin Peterson Republican
- Supporting law enforcement and public safety
- Protecting parents' rights and local decision-making in schools
- Preserving rural Minnesota's way of life
Per the campaign site.
About Austin Peterson
Peterson is a self-made entrepreneur active in small business and real estate ventures with his wife Jeramie, per the campaign site. He grew up near the Grand Forks Air Force Base, currently serves on his local school board, and has volunteered with a nonprofit food shelf, per the campaign site.
Rob Kupec (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Austin Peterson (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 4; Rob Kupec 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 1B, 4A, 4B
Minnesota House District 1BSteve Gander (R) · Jennifer Compeau (D)
Steve Gander Republican Incumbent
Steve Gander represents Minnesota House District 1B, which comprises all of Clay, Norman, Polk and Red Lake counties, per the Minnesota House of Representatives. No campaign website or additional attributed biographical detail was found for his 2026 race as of this research pass.
Jennifer Compeau Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Jennifer Compeau is the DFL candidate for Minnesota House District 1B. She works as a family resource coordinator at the East Grand Forks Family Resource Center, supporting families navigating mental health, addiction and housing challenges, per KROX radio. She serves on a statewide advisory council and the board of the Minnesota Social Services Association, and is a former ACLU Smart Justice Fellow, per the same source. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Steve Gander (Republican), Jennifer Compeau (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 1B; Steve Gander 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 4AAndrew Rockhold (R) · Erika Yoney (D)
Andrew Rockhold Republican
- Increasing government accountability and oversight of spending
- Eliminating property taxes and providing tax relief
- Protecting Second Amendment rights
Per the campaign site.
About Andrew Rockhold
Rockhold owns Good News Auto Sales and works part-time for an airline at Hector International Airport, per the campaign site. He and his wife JoAnna homeschool their six children in Moorhead, per the campaign site.
Erika Yoney Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- affordable insurance and access to mental health care and local providers
- fully funding public schools
- affordability of housing, childcare, food and transportation
Per the campaign site.
About Erika Yoney
Yoney is a nurse who was raised in Moorhead, Minnesota, per the campaign site. She says her nursing experience taught her that the best outcomes start with listening, per the campaign site.
Andrew Rockhold (Republican), Erika Yoney (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 4A. Not on the November ballot: Heather Keeler, 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 4BThaddeus Laugisch (D) · Jim Joy (R)
Thaddeus Laugisch Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Thaddeus Laugisch has worked for 16 years as a designer and safety director for Cava Construction, Inc. of Fargo, according to the Detroit Lakes Tribune. He received the DFL endorsement by a unanimous vote of district convention delegates for the 2026 House District 4B race. A previously reported campaign site for him at tl4mnh4b.com no longer displays campaign content and was not linked. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Jim Joy Republican Incumbent
Jim Joy was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2022 and previously served as mayor of Hawley and on the Hawley City Council, according to the Detroit Lakes Tribune. He represents District 4B and faces a rematch against the same DFL challenger from 2024. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Thaddeus Laugisch (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Jim Joy (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 4B; Jim Joy 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 pageBallot questions
3 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Clay County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
School District Question 1: Approval of School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 2164 (Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $500 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $500 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: School District Question 1 Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving…Independent School District No. 2889 (Lake Park Audubon Public School) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $194.58 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,683.10 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $194.58 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,683.10 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 2: School District Question 2 Approval of School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 2889 (Lake Park Audubon Public Schools) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $600 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $600 per pupil for ten years.
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Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
Who is on the ballot in Clay County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Clay County sample ballot 2026: see where the commissioner, county attorney and soil and water supervisor candidates stand on public safety and roads. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When is the 2026 general election in Minnesota?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Minnesota are listed on the Minnesota election hub. Minnesota election hub →
What ballot questions are on the Clay County ballot?
3 ballot questions: Approval of School District Referendum Revenue Authorization; School District Question 1 Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving…; School District Question 2 Approval of School District Referendum Revenue Authorization. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Clay County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →
Sample ballot by ZIP code in Clay County13 ZIP codes
Candidate roster last updated Sep 25, 2026 from official election sources.