Rice County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
28 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 19 Rice County races, led by the Rice County Commissioner District 4 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 4Nonpartisan race · Steve Underdahl · Mark Hlady
Steve Underdahl Nonpartisan
- Relief from unfunded mandates
- Community development
Per the Faribault Daily News.
About Steve Underdahl
Construction contractor and business owner seeking a fourth term on the Rice County Board, per the Faribault Daily News. Incumbency could not be confirmed against an official county roster within this review, so it is recorded as false. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Mark Hlady Nonpartisan
- Communication and responsiveness to residents
- Responsible spending and a review of discretionary budget items
Per the Faribault Daily News.
About Mark Hlady
Mark Hlady is a retired Rice County sheriff's sergeant with 31 years in the department, according to the Faribault Daily News. He told that paper, "I will never not return a phone call." No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Steve Underdahl and Mark Hlady advanced from the August 11 nonpartisan primary with about 55 and 27 percent, eliminating David A. Blais, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified results; the top two meet on the November 3 ballot.
Full race pageCommissioner District 3Nonpartisan race · Gerry Hoisington · Sam Temple
Gerry Hoisington and Sam Temple are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rice County Commissioner District 3.
Gerry Hoisington Nonpartisan Incumbent
Gerry Hoisington is the incumbent Rice County Commissioner for District 3, running for reelection in 2026, per the Faribault Daily News. He previously worked as a construction superintendent at Magney Construction. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Sam Temple Nonpartisan
- Increase outreach for property tax deferral, energy assistance, and food support programs
- Increase capacity for Veterans Services
- Create a dedicated Family Crimes investigator and victim advocate position at the Sheriff's Office
Per the campaign site.
About Sam Temple
Sam Temple is a Faribault native and former public-television documentary filmmaker who directed Northfield Public Broadcasting for nearly six years, per his campaign site. He is running for Rice County Commissioner, District 3, against Gerry Hoisington after narrowly losing the same race four years earlier.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rice County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · Nathan Budin
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Nathan Budin Nonpartisan
- Law enforcement leadership and organizational management
- Mental health advocacy and wellness programs
- Community safety through fraud and predator education
Per the campaign site.
About Nathan Budin
Nathan Budin is a Captain with the Rice County Sheriff's Office with more than 26 years in law enforcement, 25 of them at the Sheriff's Office, per his campaign site. He has previously served as Sergeant of Investigations, Patrol Sergeant, Deputy Sheriff, and Correctional Officer. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Nathan Budin is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rice County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Brian Mortenson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Brian Mortenson Nonpartisan
- Implementing drug diversion programs and increasing treatment court enrollment to reduce recidivism
- Ending probation for violent repeat offenders
- Evaluating each case individually and giving victims a voice without needless delays
Per the campaign site.
About Brian Mortenson
Brian Mortenson is a prosecutor running for Rice County Attorney, per the campaign site. He graduated from Ave Maria School of Law, clerked for a U.S. district court judge, and worked as an assistant state attorney in Florida's 20th Judicial Circuit, per the campaign site. He joined the Rice County Attorney's Office in 2016 and has prosecuted major drug cases, per the campaign site.
Brian Mortenson is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rice 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 3Nonpartisan race · Preston Bauer
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Preston Bauer Nonpartisan
Preston Bauer appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rice 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 Preston Bauer.
Preston Bauer is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rice 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 5Nonpartisan race · Richard F Peterson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Richard F Peterson Nonpartisan Incumbent
Richard Peterson serves as a district supervisor on the Rice Soil and Water Conservation District board, per the district's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Richard F Peterson is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rice County Soil and Water Supervisor District 5, 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.
Rice County is split across 7 Minnesota Senate and House districts.
Find your districts by addressMinnesota Senate: 3 districtsDistricts 19, 22, 58
Minnesota Senate District 19Sam Powell (D) · John R. Jasinski (R)
Sam Powell Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Healthcare access
- Support for victims of domestic and sexual violence
- Education
Per the campaign site.
About Sam Powell
Powell worked as a pastor before moving from California to Faribault, Minnesota in 2023, per the campaign site. He now works in Human Resources at Walmart as a People Lead, after earlier roles in food service management and at Hy-Vee, per the campaign site.
John R. Jasinski Republican Incumbent
- Protect constitutional liberties
- Support job growth and economic competitiveness for Minnesota
- Improve roads and bridges in Greater Minnesota
Per the campaign site.
About John R. Jasinski
Jasinski served four years in the U.S. Navy as an operations specialist and air intercept controller, completing two tours in the Persian Gulf, per the campaign site. He later earned a business finance degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato and built a real estate career in Faribault, per the campaign site. He served on the Faribault City Council and as mayor before his election to the Minnesota Senate in 2016, per the campaign site.
Sam Powell (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), John R. Jasinski (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 19; John R. Jasinski 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 22Jeremy Munson (R) · Marisa Ulmen (D)
Jeremy Munson Republican
- Authored legislation applying free-market approaches to lowering health care and pharmaceutical costs
- Focuses on reducing taxes, energy costs and business regulation
- Focuses on government accountability over state fraud
Per the campaign site.
About Jeremy Munson
Jeremy Munson holds a business degree from the University of Minnesota and previously served five years in the Minnesota House (2017-2022), per campaign site. Jeremy Munson and his wife have operated real estate and specialty crop farming businesses, per campaign site.
Marisa Ulmen Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Supports family farmers through fair competition and access to markets
- Supports fully funding public education and expanding childcare access
- Supports health care access for seniors and workers
Per the campaign site.
About Marisa Ulmen
Marisa Ulmen is a fifth-generation farmer from Madelia, Minnesota, who raises row crops, alfalfa and livestock with her husband, per her campaign site. She works in accounting after closing the family's animal feed business in late 2024, per the campaign site.
Jeremy Munson (Republican), Marisa Ulmen (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 22. Not on the November ballot: Rich Draheim, 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 Senate District 58Mark Legvold (D) · Bill Lieske (R)
Mark Legvold Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Strengthen rural health care access and elder care
- Increase
- Support family farms and local businesses
Per the campaign site.
About Mark Legvold
Mark Legvold spent 33 years in military service and also worked as a firefighter and police officer, per the campaign site. He later worked a decade as an educator and administrator in St. Paul Public Schools, founded a business teaching workplace leadership, and now operates a family farm focused on sustainable agriculture, per the campaign site.
Bill Lieske Republican Incumbent
- Supports reducing the size of state government
- Calls for lowering the tax burden on residents and businesses
- Says he wants to bring common sense back to government
Per the campaign site.
About Bill Lieske
Lieske holds a doctorate in chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University and took over his father's Lonsdale chiropractic clinic in 2015, per the campaign site. He grew up in Lakeville and lives in Lonsdale with his wife and two daughters, per the campaign site.
Mark Legvold (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Bill Lieske (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 58; Bill Lieske 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: 4 districtsDistricts 19A, 22B, 58A, 58B
Minnesota House District 19AKeith Allen (R) · Martha Brown (D)
Keith Allen Republican Incumbent
Keith Allen is the sitting Republican representative for Minnesota House District 19A, per the Minnesota House of Representatives. His occupation is listed as business owner and farmer/agriculture; he holds degrees from Hawkeye Community College and the University of Minnesota, and was first elected in 2024, per the official member directory.
Martha Brown Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Common-sense leadership that puts people over politics
Per the campaign site.
About Martha Brown
Martha Brown is the DFL candidate for Minnesota House District 19A, per Minnesota Prairie Roots. She is from Faribault and teaches at the university and high school levels, and has worked as a consultant helping organizations solve problems. Education Minnesota endorsed her candidacy in July 2026.
Keith Allen (Republican), Martha Brown (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 19A; Keith Allen 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 22BTerry Matthew Stier (R) · Mary Nesgoda (D)
Terry Matthew Stier Republican Incumbent
- Supports fighting unnecessary tax increases and wasteful spending
- Supports stronger safeguards against government fraud
- Supports public safety and law enforcement funding
Per the campaign site.
About Terry Matthew Stier
Stier has served 23 years in law enforcement and is Chief of Police in Belle Plaine, per the campaign site. He is serving his first term in the Minnesota House representing District 22B, per the campaign site.
Mary Nesgoda Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Supports quality health care access
- Supports funding to ensure children get the education they deserve
Per the campaign site.
About Mary Nesgoda
Mary Nesgoda is the DFL-endorsed candidate for Minnesota House District 22B, per her campaign site, which frames her candidacy around being a representative who listens and puts people over politics.
Terry Matthew Stier (Republican), Mary Nesgoda (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 22B; Terry Matthew Stier 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 58ASteven E. Cherney (R) · Kristi Pursell (D)
Steven E. Cherney Republican
Steven E. Cherney is the Republican candidate for Minnesota House District 58A 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.
Kristi Pursell Democratic-Farmer-Labor Incumbent
Kristi Pursell is a nonprofit executive director who represents District 58A in the Minnesota House. She holds a B.A. in English and environmental studies from St. Olaf College and a graduate certificate in environmental education from the University of Minnesota Duluth, according to the Minnesota House of Representatives. First elected in 2022, she is now in her second term, serves as Assistant DFL Floor Leader, and co-chairs Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy as vice chair.
Steven E. Cherney (Republican), Kristi Pursell (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 58A; Kristi Pursell 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 58BDrew Roach (R) · Ed Fellows (D)
Drew Roach Republican Incumbent
Drew Roach is a business owner who represents District 58B in the Minnesota House. Elected in 2024, he is serving his first term and sits on the Education Policy, Elections Finance and Government Operations, and Taxes committees, according to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Ed Fellows Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Support strong schools
- Promote safe neighborhoods
- Build an economy that works for everyone
Per the campaign site.
About Ed Fellows
Ed Fellows was born and raised in the district and has worked in education as a teacher, campus administrator and executive director, per the campaign site. He is a husband and father of four, per the campaign site.
Drew Roach (Republican), Ed Fellows (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 58B; Drew Roach 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 pageSee your full ballot
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Who is on the ballot in Rice County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Rice County sample ballot 2026: see where the commissioner, county sheriff and county attorney candidates stand on schools, health care and jobs. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
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Minnesota statewide racesEvery Minnesota race on this county's ballot.All Minnesota ballot measures1 statewide ballot measureCandidate roster last updated Sep 27, 2026 from official election sources.