Clay County, Minnesota

Clay County Sheriff

One candidate is tracked for Clay County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Mark Empting. Candidate information follows official Clay County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

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).

What this office does

Sheriff. The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency, operates the county jail, provides courthouse security and serves court papers such as warrants, subpoenas and evictions. In many counties the sheriff's office is the primary police force for areas outside city limits. The sheriff hires deputies and manages the office's budget within what the county board approves.

This race. Nonpartisan: candidates appear without party labels. Every voter in Clay County votes on this seat. One name is on the ballot for this seat.

Minnesota › Clay County › Clay County Sheriff

Mark Empting

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

Emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and leadership that listens to the community
Highlights the professionalism of his office's deputies, correctional officers, and staff

Biography

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.

Next on your ballotClay County Attorney

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Clay County Sheriff in 2026?

When is the Clay County Sheriff election in Minnesota?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Minnesota are on the Minnesota election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Clay County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Clay County and state election office filings, last verified September 25, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Minnesota election office, or see the full Clay County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Clay County ballot

26 tracked races in Clay County, Minnesota. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Clay County Soil and Water Supervisor District 3 Clay County Soil and Water Supervisor District 4 Minnesota Senate District 1 See all 26 Clay County races

Candidate profiles

Mark Empting, full profile Official Minnesota election office