Crow Wing County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
32 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 24 Crow Wing County races, led by the Crow Wing County Commissioner District 4 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 4Nonpartisan race · Dawn Espe · Rosemary Franzen
Dawn Espe and Rosemary Franzen are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Commissioner District 4.
Dawn Espe Nonpartisan
- Transparency, accountability and representation in county government
- Decision making centered on people rather than industry interests
- Removing barriers to public participation
Per the KAXE.
About Dawn Espe
In KAXE's candidate questionnaire she describes leadership as serving the community, listening to understand and building solutions that work for everyone. She was the only filer in this race to respond to KAXE after up to three contacts. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Rosemary Franzen Nonpartisan
KAXE identifies her as the sitting District 4 commissioner, but incumbency could not be confirmed against an official county roster within this review, so it is recorded as false. She did not respond to KAXE's questionnaire after up to three attempts. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
August 11 primary result: Rosemary Franzen (58.82 percent) and Dawn Espe (23.54 percent) advanced to the November 3 ballot; Troy Kenneth Scheffler (17.64 percent) was eliminated, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified results.
Full race pageCommissioner District 2Nonpartisan race · Jon W. Lubke
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jon W. Lubke Nonpartisan Incumbent
- Wants to maintain strong public safety services and responsible budgeting
- Supports continued intergovernmental cooperation and long-term planning that protects economic vitality and natural resources
About Jon W. Lubke
Jon W. Lubke is the incumbent Crow Wing County Commissioner for District 2, serving since 2023 and previously mayor of Jenkins for 15 years, per the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal. He serves on several regional boards including the Association of Minnesota Counties. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Jon W. Lubke is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Commissioner District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageCommissioner District 3Nonpartisan race · Tad A. Erickson · Jessica Tabatt
Tad A. Erickson and Jessica Tabatt are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Commissioner District 3.
Tad A. Erickson Nonpartisan
- More public input and flexibility in zoning and development rules
- Addressing the housing shortage in Crow Wing County
- Keeping property taxes as low as possible while maintaining public safety and services
About Tad A. Erickson
A Brainerd City Council member representing Ward 1 and a transportation planner with the Region Five Development Commission in Staples, per the Brainerd Dispatch. He chairs the council's Safety and Public Work Committee and previously served on the Brainerd Planning Commission, per the Brainerd Dispatch. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Jessica Tabatt Nonpartisan
- Careful listening, collaboration, accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars
- Protect public health and support public safety
- Maintain infrastructure and deliver essential services with fairness and common sense
Per the campaign site.
About Jessica Tabatt
Jessica Tabatt is a podiatrist who practiced in Brainerd for nearly a decade and held leadership roles at St. Joseph's Hospital, per the Brainerd Dispatch. She lives in Baxter with her husband and two daughters and is running for the Crow Wing County District 3 seat. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · Eric Klang
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Eric Klang Nonpartisan
- Improving how the sheriff's office implements its values
- Rebuilding a culture that respects and values staff and partnerships with stakeholders
- Restoring trust between staff, administration, and law enforcement partners
Per the campaign site.
About Eric Klang
Eric Klang is the incumbent Crow Wing County Sheriff, elected in November 2022, who announced his intent to seek re-election on May 14, 2026, per the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal. He has more than two decades of law enforcement experience, per the Brainerd Dispatch. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Eric Klang is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Kelsey Hopps
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kelsey Hopps Nonpartisan
Kelsey Hopps was appointed Crow Wing County Attorney in August 2025 after seven years as an assistant county attorney, becoming the first woman to hold the office, per the Brainerd Dispatch. She succeeded Don Ryan, who retired after more than three decades in the role, per the same source. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Kelsey Hopps is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageJudges
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 1Nonpartisan race · Matti Adam
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Matti Adam Nonpartisan
Matti Adam is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed Assistant Chief Judge of the Beltrami County District Court on May 8, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Itasca County Attorney and assistant Itasca County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Matti Adam 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 2Nonpartisan race · Henry C. Ambelang · Matthew R. Mallie
Henry C. Ambelang Nonpartisan
Henry C. Ambelang works as a public defender in Minnesota's 9th Judicial District and is running for judge in one of the few contested judicial races in the state this year, per KAXE. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Matthew R. Mallie Nonpartisan Incumbent
Judge Matthew R. Mallie was appointed to the Ninth Judicial District bench by Governor Tim Walz on July 12, 2019, and was elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. He earned his J.D. from Mitchell Hamline College of Law and previously worked as a solo practitioner and as a city prosecutor for multiple cities in Crow Wing County.
Henry C. Ambelang and Matthew R. Mallie are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for this seat. Minnesota's 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 4Nonpartisan race · Charles D. Halverson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Charles D. Halverson Nonpartisan
Charles D. Halverson is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Crow Wing County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on December 24, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously ran the Halverson Law Office and served as an assistant and managing attorney for the Ninth Judicial District Public Defender's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Charles D. Halverson 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 5Nonpartisan race · Kimberly Wimmer
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kimberly Wimmer Nonpartisan
Kimberly Wimmer is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Itasca County District Court by Governor Tim Walz on January 21, 2025, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously executive vice president and general counsel of TruStar Federal Credit Union, 2015-2025, and a solo practitioner, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Kimberly Wimmer 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 12Nonpartisan race · Sarah L. McBroom
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Sarah L. McBroom Nonpartisan
Sarah L. McBroom is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Itasca County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Nov. 16, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a staff attorney with Legal Aid Service of Northeast Minnesota, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Sarah L. McBroom 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 13Nonpartisan race · Daniel M. Hawley
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Daniel M. Hawley Nonpartisan
Daniel M. Hawley is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Aitkin County District Court August 1, 2025, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a partner at Gammello-Pearson PLLC and a defense attorney for the Crow Wing County DWI Court, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Daniel M. Hawley 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 14Nonpartisan race · Kathryn A. Lorsbach
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kathryn A. Lorsbach Nonpartisan
Kathryn A. Lorsbach is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Hubbard County District Court January 10, 2025, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Clearwater County Attorney and an assistant public defender for the Ninth Judicial District, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Kathryn A. Lorsbach 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 15Nonpartisan race · Tamara L. Yon
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tamara L. Yon Nonpartisan
Tamara L. Yon is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Pennington County District Court by Governor Tim Pawlenty on April 7, 2006, and elected in 2008, 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an attorney at Johannson, Rust, Yon, Stock and Rasmussen and served as Ninth District Chief Judge, 2019-2023, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Tamara L. Yon 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 19Nonpartisan race · Jana Austad
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jana Austad Nonpartisan
Jana Austad has served as a District Court Judge in Minnesota's 9th Judicial District for seven years, per her campaign website. She was raised in Bemidji and has spent her legal career in northern Minnesota, per the same source.
Jana Austad 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 20Nonpartisan race · Michael Patrick Grover
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michael Patrick Grover Nonpartisan
Michael Patrick Grover is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Roseau County District Court September 16, 2025, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Roseau County attorney, 2007-2025, and an associate attorney at Anderson Law Offices, P.A., per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michael Patrick Grover 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 21Nonpartisan race · Patricia A. Aanes
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Patricia A. Aanes Nonpartisan Incumbent
Judge Patricia A. Aanes was appointed to the Ninth Judicial District bench by Governor Mark Dayton on February 8, 2019, and was elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. She earned her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and previously practiced law in Brainerd, including as a partner at Erickson & Aanes Law Offices. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Patricia A. Aanes 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 22Nonpartisan race · Seamus P. Duffy
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Seamus P. Duffy Nonpartisan
Seamus P. Duffy is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Mahnomen County District Court May 31, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Pennington County Attorney, 2018-2024, and an assistant public defender, 2007-2018, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Seamus P. Duffy 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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 · Diane Jacobson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Diane Jacobson Nonpartisan Incumbent
Diane Jacobson appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing 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 Diane Jacobson.
Diane Jacobson is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSoil and Water Supervisor District 3Nonpartisan race · Roger Waytashek
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Roger Waytashek Nonpartisan Incumbent
Roger Waytashek serves as Vice-Chair and District 3 supervisor for the Crow Wing County Soil and Water Conservation District, per the district's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Roger Waytashek is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Soil and Water Supervisor District 3, 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.
Crow Wing County is split across 5 Minnesota Senate and House districts.
Find your districts by addressMinnesota Senate: 2 districtsDistricts 6, 10
Minnesota Senate District 6Keri Heintzeman (R) · Denise Slipy (D)
Keri Heintzeman Republican Incumbent
Keri Heintzeman is the sitting Republican senator for Minnesota Senate District 6, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory.
Denise Slipy Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Denise Slipy works as an environmental health and safety professional, an OSHA outreach instructor, and a first responder for northern Crow Wing County, and has volunteered as a firefighter, per her campaign site. She was raised in rural Indiana by her grandparents and now lives in Breezy Point, Minnesota, per the campaign site. She is running for Minnesota Senate District 6.
Keri Heintzeman (Republican), Denise Slipy (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 6; Keri Heintzeman 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 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 House: 3 districtsDistricts 6A, 6B, 10A
Minnesota House District 6ABen Davis (R) · Samuel Grigsby (D)
Ben Davis Republican Incumbent
- Supports protecting civil and religious liberty, including freedom of speech, protest and worship
- Supports medical freedom and parental rights
- Supports developing Minnesota's mining industry for critical minerals
Per the campaign site.
About Ben Davis

Ben Davis is a pastor representing Minnesota House District 6A, which includes Grand Rapids and parts of Cass, Crow Wing and Itasca counties, according to his official legislative profile. He was first elected in 2022 and is serving his second term. He serves as co-vice chair of the State Government Finance and Policy Committee, per the House member directory.
Samuel Grigsby Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Samuel Grigsby of Grand Rapids has worked for more than 30 years as an EMT, firefighter, state fire instructor and police reserve officer, per the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal. He has also served on numerous nonprofit boards in the Grand Rapids area and is the DFL-endorsed candidate in District 6A, according to KAXE. His only campaign web presence found was a Facebook page, which is not linked here. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Ben Davis (Republican), Samuel Grigsby (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 6A; Ben Davis 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 6BNicky Hardy (D) · Josh Heintzeman (R)
Nicky Hardy Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- healthcare access
- addressing fraud and investing in community
- education and environmental protection
Per the campaign site.
About Nicky Hardy
Hardy holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology and experimental neuroscience from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and worked as a biomedical scientist and postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern University before stepping away from lab science to raise her family in Pequot Lakes, per the campaign site. She has also worked as a substitute teacher and volunteers with several community organizations, per the campaign site.
Josh Heintzeman Republican Incumbent

Josh Heintzeman is the Republican candidate for Minnesota House District 6B on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. Josh Heintzeman is a sitting member for the district, per the Minnesota House of Representatives's official member directory (house.mn.gov). Is a small-business owner based in Merrifield, per Minnesota House of Representatives official member profile. First elected in 2014 and is serving his sixth term representing District 6B, which includes Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point and Jenkins in Crow Wing County, per Minnesota House of Representatives official member profile; Brainerd Dispatch. Holds an A.A. in business from Central Lakes College, per Minnesota House of Representatives official member profile. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Nicky Hardy (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Josh Heintzeman (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 6B; Josh Heintzeman 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 10AMelissa Maertens (D) · Mark Striemer (R)
Melissa Maertens Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Support small businesses and local commerce
- Address education needs in the community
- Improve access to health care
Per the campaign site.
About Melissa Maertens
Maertens is a small business owner and area manager for an inventory management company with over 20 years of experience in property management, per the campaign site.
Mark Striemer Republican
- Increasing accountability and transparency in state government spending
- Reducing wasteful government spending
- Protecting constitutional rights and equal justice under the law
Per the campaign site.
About Mark Striemer
Striemer has a background in business and community leadership and has lived and worked in District 10A for most of his life, per the campaign site. He describes himself as a longtime area resident rather than a career politician, per the campaign site.
Melissa Maertens (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Mark Striemer (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 10A. Not on the November ballot: Ron Kresha, 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 pageBallot questions
2 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Crow Wing County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
Township Question 1: Adopt Form of GovernmentMission Township · Would let the town board appoint the treasurer instead of voters electing the position.
Would let the town board appoint the treasurer instead of voters electing the position.
School District Question 1: Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 181 (Brainerd 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 $865 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 $865 per pupil for ten years.
See your full ballot
Voting info and more
Voting info and more
Verify your ballot with the official election office.
Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
Who is on the ballot in Crow Wing County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Crow Wing County sample ballot 2026: see where the commissioner, county sheriff and county attorney candidates stand on the budget and public safety. 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 Crow Wing County ballot?
2 ballot questions: Adopt Form of Government; Approval of New 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 Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing County12 ZIP codes
Candidate roster last updated Sep 27, 2026 from official election sources.
