Douglas County, Minnesota

Minnesota House District 12B

2 candidates are tracked for Minnesota House District 12B on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Mary Franson and Michael Gardner. Candidate information follows official Douglas County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Mary Franson (Republican), Michael Gardner (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 12B; Mary Franson 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.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Mary Franson, is on the ballot.

Minnesota › Douglas County › Minnesota House District 12B

Mary Franson

Republican Incumbent

Top priorities

Supports strengthening the economy and job growth, including for family farmers
Supports Second Amendment rights
Supports parental rights and family-centered policies

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Mary Franson was a licensed childcare provider and small business owner before her legislative service, per campaign site. Mary Franson holds a psychology degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and was first elected to the legislature in 2010, per campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Michael Gardner

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Top priorities

Calls for government services and technology to work better for constituents
Emphasizes that the seat belongs to the district's residents rather than special interests

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Michael Gardner is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Minnesota House District 12B on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 2

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Minnesota House District 12B in 2026?

When is the Minnesota House District 12B 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 Douglas 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 Douglas County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

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

The rest of your Douglas County ballot

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

Also on your ballot

Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 8 Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 9 Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 11 See all 28 Douglas County races

Candidate profiles

Mary Franson, full profile Michael Gardner, full profile Official Minnesota election office