Houston County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
19 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 16 Houston County races, led by the Houston County Commissioner District 2 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 2Nonpartisan race · Eric Johnson · Dean Mierau
Eric Johnson and Dean Mierau are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston County Commissioner District 2.
Eric Johnson Nonpartisan
- Bringing an agricultural perspective to county government as the board's only farmer
- Keeping levies low despite rising costs and reducing the Criminal Justice Center debt payment after 2029
- Maintaining the county's land use plan to keep data centers out of the agricultural district
About Eric Johnson
Eric Johnson is a lifelong farmer in Looney Valley who has served as Houston County Commissioner for District 2 for eight years, including a prior term as board chair, per hometownsource.com. He also sits on the Semcac board, the county Economic Development Authority board, and other regional committees. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Dean Mierau Nonpartisan
- Wants to maintain infrastructure, support local business and agriculture, and keep taxes fair
- Wants to promote tourism in the county
- Says he aims to be transparent, efficient, and accountable
About Dean Mierau
Dean Mierau is a retired U.S. Navy service member with 28 years of service who has lived in Houston County for two decades, per hometownsource.com. He served four years on the Rushford School Board and previously owned Nordic Lanes and The Creamery in Rushford before selling the business. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston County Commissioner District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageCommissioner District 4Nonpartisan race · Bob Schuldt
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Bob Schuldt Nonpartisan Incumbent
Bob Schuldt is the Houston County Commissioner for District 4 and serves as vice chairperson of the county board in 2026, per Houston County's government pages. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Bob Schuldt is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston County Commissioner District 4, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageAuditor/TreasurerNonpartisan race · Amy Sylling
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Amy Sylling Nonpartisan
Amy Sylling previously worked as a Houston County Environmental Services Technical Clerk, per hometownsource.com's candidate coverage. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Amy Sylling is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston County Auditor/Treasurer, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageRecorderNonpartisan race · Michelle Werner
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michelle Werner Nonpartisan
Michelle Werner appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston County Recorder, 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 Michelle Werner.
Michelle Werner is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston County Recorder, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · Brian Swedberg
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Brian Swedberg Nonpartisan Incumbent
Brian Swedberg is the elected Houston County Sheriff, with over 31 years at the Houston County Sheriff's Office including as dispatcher, jailer, patrol and civil lieutenant, and chief deputy, per news8000.com. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Brian Swedberg is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Daniel Coogan
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Daniel Coogan Nonpartisan
Daniel Coogan, an Assistant Houston County Attorney based in Caledonia, announced he will run for Houston County Attorney in 2026, per hometownsource.com. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Daniel Coogan is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageJudges
Judge, Minnesota 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 4Nonpartisan race · Jacob C. Allen
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jacob C. Allen Nonpartisan
Jacob C. Allen is a judge of the Minnesota 3rd Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Olmsted County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Aug. 31, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously managing attorney of the Third District Public Defender's Office and a partner at O'Brien & Wolf L.L.P., per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Jacob C. Allen 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 6Nonpartisan race · Karen R. Duncan
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Karen R. Duncan Nonpartisan Incumbent
Judge Karen R. Duncan was appointed to the Third Judicial District bench by Governor Mark Dayton on March 1, 2013, and was elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. She earned her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and previously served as chief public defender for the Third Judicial District. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Karen R. Duncan 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 7Nonpartisan race · Dwight Luhmann
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Dwight Luhmann Nonpartisan
Dwight Luhmann is a judge of the Minnesota 3rd Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Winona County District Court on July 15, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a solo practitioner and city attorney for Preston, 2007-2024, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Dwight Luhmann 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 15Nonpartisan race · Erin Lindhart Felten
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Erin Lindhart Felten Nonpartisan
Erin Lindhart Felten is a judge of the Minnesota 3rd Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Olmsted County District Court on Aug. 6, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a referee for the Third Judicial District in Olmsted County and an attorney at Hoversten, Johnson, Beckmann & Hovey LLP, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Erin Lindhart Felten 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 17Nonpartisan race · Christopher A Neisen
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Christopher A Neisen Nonpartisan Incumbent
Judge Christopher A Neisen was appointed to the Third Judicial District bench by Governor Mark Dayton on June 29, 2018, and was elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. He earned his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and previously was managing partner at Wornson, Goggins, Neisen, Morris & Brever, P.C. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Christopher A Neisen 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 22Nonpartisan race · Jeffrey M Johnson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jeffrey M Johnson Nonpartisan Incumbent
Judge Jeffrey M Johnson was appointed to the Third Judicial District bench by Governor Mark Dayton on March 23, 2018, and was elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. He earned his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law and previously served as Third Judicial District Chief Public Defender. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Jeffrey M Johnson 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 1Nonpartisan race · Jerry Welke
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jerry Welke Nonpartisan
Jerry Welke appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston County Soil and Water Supervisor District 1, 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 Jerry Welke.
Jerry Welke is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston County Soil and Water Supervisor District 1, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSoil and Water Supervisor District 2Nonpartisan race · Joe Driscoll
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Joe Driscoll Nonpartisan
Joe Driscoll appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston 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 Joe Driscoll.
Joe Driscoll is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Houston 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.
Find your districts by addressMinnesota Senate District 26Cherie Johnson (R) · Jack Hedin (D)
Cherie Johnson Republican
- Making life more affordable through responsible spending
- Supporting local farms, small businesses, and education
- Upholding transparency and accountability in government
Per the campaign site.
About Cherie Johnson
Johnson is an educator who teaches and coaches and has also served as a foster parent, per the campaign site. She and her husband Ben have raised seven children in Winona and she serves on local community boards, per the campaign site.
Jack Hedin Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Support locally owned businesses and oppose out of state corporate consolidation
- Promote cover crop practices to address nitrate runoff and soil conservation
- Address health care workforce shortages and affordability
Per the campaign site.
About Jack Hedin
Jack Hedin is a farmer and small business owner who built Featherstone Farm in southeast Minnesota over 30 years, developing greenhouses, crop storage facilities and a regional trucking network for produce, per the campaign site.
Cherie Johnson (Republican), Jack Hedin (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 26. Not on the November ballot: Jeremy R. Miller, 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 26BGregory M. Davids (R) · Allie Wolf (D)
Gregory M. Davids Republican Incumbent
Gregory M. Davids is the Republican candidate for Minnesota House District 26B on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. Gregory M. Davids is a sitting member for the district, per the Minnesota House of Representatives's official member directory (house.mn.gov). Greg Davids is a business and farm owner with a B.S. in social science from Winona State University, according to his official House biography. First elected in 1991, he is serving his 17th non-consecutive term representing District 26B and currently co-chairs the House Taxes Committee. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Allie Wolf Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Allie Wolf grew up in Spring Valley in Fillmore County and studied mass communications at Winona State University before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 2011 as a linguist, per her campaign site. She later used the GI Bill to earn an administrative assistant degree and a bachelor's degree in computer science, per the campaign site. She is running for Minnesota House District 26B.
Gregory M. Davids (Republican), Allie Wolf (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 26B; Gregory M. Davids 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
One local ballot question from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Houston 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 Bond IssueIndependent School District No. 299 (Caledonia Area Public Schools) · Would authorize the school board to issue general obligation school building bonds of up to $9,700,000 for betterment of school sites and facilities, including safety and security improvements at school sites and facilities; the construction of roof replacements and repairs; the….
Would authorize the school board to issue general obligation school building bonds of up to $9,700,000 for betterment of school sites and facilities, including safety and security improvements at school sites and facilities; the construction of roof replacements and repairs; the….
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 Houston County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Houston County sample ballot 2026: see where the commissioner, county auditor/treasurer and county recorder candidates stand on agriculture, housing and jobs. 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 Houston County ballot?
1 ballot question: Approval of School District Bond Issue. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Houston 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 →
Minnesota statewide racesEvery Minnesota race on this county's ballot.All Minnesota ballot measures1 statewide ballot measure