Stearns County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
44 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 33 Stearns County races, led by the Stearns County Commissioner District 1 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 1Nonpartisan race · Tarryl L. Clark
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tarryl L. Clark Nonpartisan Incumbent
Tarryl Clark has served as the First District Stearns County Commissioner since 2019, per WJON. A former Minnesota state senator, she is a licensed attorney who graduated cum laude from the William Mitchell College of Law, per WJON. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Tarryl L. Clark is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Commissioner District 1, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageCommissioner District 3Nonpartisan race · Jeff Bertram
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jeff Bertram Nonpartisan Incumbent
Jeff Bertram has worked for West Central Sanitation for 25 years and previously served on the Paynesville City Council, the Great River Regional Library board, and in the Minnesota House of Representatives, per the Tri-County News. He now chairs the Stearns County Board as its District 3 Commissioner. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Jeff Bertram is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageCommissioner District 4Nonpartisan race · Bob Johnson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Bob Johnson Nonpartisan
Bob Johnson won the November 2025 special election for Stearns County Commissioner District 4, replacing Leigh Lenzmeier, per MPR News. He is retired from a career that included administrative director roles at CentraCare's Heart and Vascular Center and executive director of the Paramount Center for the Arts, and he served three terms on the St. Cloud City Council. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Bob Johnson is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Commissioner District 4, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageAuditor/TreasurerNonpartisan race · Randy R Schreifels
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Randy R Schreifels Nonpartisan Incumbent
Randy R Schreifels appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Auditor/Treasurer, 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 Randy R Schreifels.
Randy R Schreifels is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Auditor/Treasurer, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · Steve Soyka
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Steve Soyka Nonpartisan
- Leadership development through advanced training for department personnel
- Expanded use of technology in department operations
- Overseeing operations at the county's new jail facility
About Steve Soyka
Steve Soyka is the Stearns County Sheriff, seeking a third term in 2026 after more than 30 years with the Stearns County Sheriff's Office, per KNSI. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Steve Soyka is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Janelle Kendall
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Janelle Kendall Nonpartisan
Janelle Kendall has served as Stearns County Attorney for 20 years, acting as the county's chief felony prosecutor and handling child protection cases, per her campaign website. She has been recognized by county, state and national organizations for her work on domestic violence prosecution, sex trafficking and drug crime cases, per the same source.
Janelle Kendall is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageJudges
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 2Nonpartisan race · Michael Leeser
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michael Leeser Nonpartisan
Michael Leeser is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Clay County District Court September 3, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Clay County attorney, 2014-2024, and former president of the Clay County Bar Association, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michael Leeser 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 8Nonpartisan race · Matthew E. Engelking
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Matthew E. Engelking Nonpartisan
Matthew E. Engelking is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Stearns County District Court by Governor Tim Walz on July 22, 2019, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously chief of the juvenile division and senior attorney in the Stearns County Attorney's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Matthew E. Engelking 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 9Nonpartisan race · Michelle Winkis Lawson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michelle Winkis Lawson Nonpartisan
Michelle Winkis Lawson is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Becker County District Court Nov. 14, 2012, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously chief assistant and interim Clay County Attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michelle Winkis Lawson 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 11Nonpartisan race · Andrew Pearson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Andrew Pearson Nonpartisan
Andrew Pearson is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Stearns County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Nov. 1, 2013, and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a Seventh District public defender, 1999-2007, and an attorney at Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Andrew Pearson 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 12Nonpartisan race · Kevin M. Miller
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kevin M. Miller Nonpartisan
Kevin M. Miller is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Otter Tail County District Court May 7, 2018, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Becker County attorney and owner of the Miller Law Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Kevin M. Miller 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 13Nonpartisan race · Michelle Clark
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michelle Clark Nonpartisan
Michelle Clark is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Douglas County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on June 21, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Douglas County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michelle Clark 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 14Nonpartisan race · Meriel Lester
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Meriel Lester Nonpartisan
Meriel Lester is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Morrison County District Court September 12, 2025, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously assistant chief of the domestic violence unit and an assistant attorney in the Stearns County Attorney's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Meriel Lester 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 15Nonpartisan race · Ole Tvedten
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Ole Tvedten Nonpartisan
Ole Tvedten is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed September 9, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously criminal division chief and an assistant attorney in the Stearns County Attorney's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Ole Tvedten 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 21Nonpartisan race · Robert J. Raupp
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Robert J. Raupp Nonpartisan
Robert J. Raupp is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Benton County District Court June 3, 2013, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Benton County Attorney, 2000-2013, and first assistant Benton County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Robert J. Raupp 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 22Nonpartisan race · Doug Clark
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Doug Clark Nonpartisan
Doug Clark is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Wadena County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Nov. 29, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an attorney and supervising attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Doug Clark 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 24Nonpartisan race · Karl L. Schmidt
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Karl L. Schmidt Nonpartisan
Karl L. Schmidt is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Benton County District Court on July 29, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Benton County Attorney and senior assistant Benton County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Karl L. Schmidt 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 26Nonpartisan race · Mark J. Herzing
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Mark J. Herzing Nonpartisan
Mark J. Herzing is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Mille Lacs County District Court Feb. 1, 2019, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Mille Lacs County attorney and a teacher and coach in the Cambridge-Isanti and Milaca school districts, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Mark J. Herzing 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 27Nonpartisan race · Tammy L. Merkins
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tammy L. Merkins Nonpartisan
Tammy L. Merkins is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Clay County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on June 1, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Becker County Attorney and a partner at Thorwaldsen, Malmstrom, Sorum, Majors & Merkins, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Tammy L. Merkins 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 28Nonpartisan race · Antoinette C. Wetzel
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Antoinette C. Wetzel Nonpartisan
Antoinette C. Wetzel is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Morrison County District Court July 23, 2018, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously ran the Wetzel Law Firm and served as a qualified neutral mediator and city attorney for Royalton and Little Falls, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Antoinette C. Wetzel 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 30Nonpartisan race · Jade M. Rosenfeldt
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jade M. Rosenfeldt Nonpartisan
Jade M. Rosenfeldt is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Clay County District Court by Governor Tim Walz on November 1, 2019, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a shareholder attorney at Vogel Law Firm, 2008-2019, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Jade M. Rosenfeldt 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 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena 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 · Kyle McClure · Chad Van Beck
Kyle McClure and Chad Van Beck are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Soil and Water Supervisor District 1.
Kyle McClure Nonpartisan
Kyle McClure appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns 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 Kyle McClure.
Chad Van Beck Nonpartisan
Chad Van Beck appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns 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 Chad Van Beck.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Soil and Water Supervisor District 1, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageSpecial Election for Soil and Water Supervisor District 4Nonpartisan race · Steve L. Peterson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Steve L. Peterson Nonpartisan
Steve L. Peterson appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Special Election for Soil and Water Supervisor District 4, 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 Steve L. Peterson.
Steve L. Peterson is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Special Election for Soil and Water Supervisor District 4, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSoil and Water Supervisor District 5Nonpartisan race · Thomas Gregory · Sarah Schulze
Thomas Gregory and Sarah Schulze are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Soil and Water Supervisor District 5.
Thomas Gregory Nonpartisan
Thomas Gregory appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Soil and Water Supervisor District 5, 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 Thomas Gregory.
Sarah Schulze Nonpartisan
Sarah Schulze appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Soil and Water Supervisor District 5, 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 Sarah Schulze.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Stearns County Soil and Water Supervisor District 5, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Stearns County is split across 9 Minnesota Senate and House districts.
Find your districts by addressMinnesota Senate: 3 districtsDistricts 12, 13, 14
Minnesota Senate District 12Kari Dorry (D) · Torrey Westrom (R)
Kari Dorry Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Supports strong public schools
- Wants to keep rural living affordable
Per the Alexandria Echo Press.
About Kari Dorry
Kari Dorry is a special education teacher and union organizer, per her campaign site. Dorry describes herself as a community advocate focused on supporting families, schools and communities, per her campaign site. Dorry is running for Minnesota Senate District 12, per her campaign site.
Torrey Westrom Republican Incumbent
Torrey Westrom was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1996, served there for 16 years, then moved to the Senate in 2012, according to his official Senate biography. He is now serving his fourth Senate term representing District 12 and is ranking minority member of Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Kari Dorry (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Torrey Westrom (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 12; Torrey Westrom 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 13Jared J. Gapinski (R) · Trent C Dilks (D)
Jared J. Gapinski Republican
- Supports government accountability and fiscal responsibility
- Supports reducing regulations that raise the cost of living
Per the campaign site.
About Jared J. Gapinski
Jared J. Gapinski served as a firefighter for 19 years, including seven years as fire captain in Sauk Rapids, per campaign site. Jared J. Gapinski describes himself as a business owner with budget management experience, per campaign site.
Trent C Dilks Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Trent Dilks is a military veteran and the DFL-endorsed candidate for Minnesota Senate District 13, per St. Cloud Live. His campaign emphasizes grassroots outreach and describes itself as independent of corporate funding, according to his campaign site.
Jared J. Gapinski (Republican), Trent C Dilks (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 13. Not on the November ballot: Jeff R. Howe, 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 14Aric Putnam (D) · Bernie Perryman (R)
Aric Putnam Democratic-Farmer-Labor Incumbent
- Affordable housing
- Safe, thriving neighborhoods
- Support for schools
Per the campaign site.
About Aric Putnam
Aric Putnam has served as the State Senator for the St. Cloud region since January 2021, per his campaign site. Putnam is a professor of communication at Saint John's University and the College of St. Benedict and has taught for more than twenty-five years, per his campaign site. Putnam earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, per his campaign site.
Bernie Perryman Republican
- Supports accountability and transparency in government spending
- Supports tax relief, including permanently ending the tax on seniors' Social Security benefits
Per the campaign site.
About Bernie Perryman
Bernie Perryman is a two-term member of the Minnesota House of Representatives who owns and operates two Batteries Plus stores in St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids, per her campaign site. Perryman previously was part owner and CEO of the beverage distributor C&L Distributing and served as Chair of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, per her campaign site. Perryman is running for Minnesota Senate District 14, per her campaign site.
Aric Putnam (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Bernie Perryman (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 14; Aric Putnam 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: 6 districtsDistricts 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B
Minnesota House District 12APaul H. Anderson (R) · Talitha Anderson (D)
Paul H. Anderson Republican Incumbent
Paul H. Anderson, a farmer with a Bachelor of Arts in physical education and education from the University of Minnesota, Morris, is the Republican candidate for Minnesota House District 12A, per the Minnesota House of Representatives's official member directory (house.mn.gov). Anderson, first elected in 2008, is the sitting member for the district and co-chairs the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Talitha Anderson Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Talitha Anderson of Morris is the DFL candidate for Minnesota House District 12A, per the West Central Tribune. No occupation, campaign website or additional attributed biographical detail was found for her as of this research pass. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Paul H. Anderson (Republican), Talitha Anderson (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 12A; Paul H. Anderson 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 12BMary Franson (R) · Michael Gardner (D)
Mary Franson Republican Incumbent
- 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.
About Mary Franson
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.
Michael Gardner Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- 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.
About Michael Gardner
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.
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.
Full race pageMinnesota House District 13AArlis Sayler (D) · Tanja Goering (R)
Arlis Sayler Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Supports rural health care facilities and access for those who cannot afford care
- Supports agriculture, including addressing tariff impacts on farmers
- Supports increased educator pay and trade-school tuition assistance
Per the campaign site.
About Arlis Sayler
Sayler was raised on North Dakota dairy farms, worked in oil fields, and holds an agricultural engineering degree from North Dakota State University, per the campaign site. He spent 35 years in leadership roles at Cargill and later earned an MBA, per the campaign site.
Tanja Goering Republican
- Focuses on growing the local economy
- Emphasizes conservative values
Per the campaign site.
About Tanja Goering
Goering has spent her career in Central Minnesota working in management, staffing, human resources and business development, per the campaign site. A graduate of the College of Saint Benedict, she has lived in District 13 for more than 35 years with her husband Joe and raised their children in the ROCORI school system, per the campaign site. She has chaired the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce board and its government affairs committee, per the campaign site.
Arlis Sayler (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Tanja Goering (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 13A. Not on the November ballot: Lisa Demuth, 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 13BDawn Loberg (R) · Justin Doyle (D)
Dawn Loberg Republican
- Supports eliminating the state tax on Social Security income
- Supports reducing wasteful government spending
- Focuses on housing, employment and retirement affordability
Per the campaign site.
About Dawn Loberg
Loberg is a small-business owner with a background in marketing, sales and strategic planning, and previously supported manufacturers through her work at Enterprise Minnesota, per the campaign site. She is based in Sartell in Central Minnesota, per the campaign site.
Justin Doyle Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Wants rural areas to have more clinics and hospitals so health care access does not depend on where someone lives
- Supports reforming school funding so rural districts are not disadvantaged by smaller local tax bases
- Prioritizes protecting Minnesota's lakes, rivers and groundwater
Per the campaign site.
About Justin Doyle
Justin Doyle has worked on farms, in the woods, and on railroads and highways throughout central Minnesota, according to his campaign site. He is the DFL candidate for House District 13B, which includes Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Avon, Cold Spring, Albany, Paynesville, Kimball and Holdingford.
Dawn Loberg (Republican), Justin Doyle (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 13B. Not on the November ballot: Tim O'Driscoll, 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 14AAbdi Daisane (D) · Mike Conway (R)
Abdi Daisane Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Focuses on economic security for working families
- Focuses on immigrant community support
- Focuses on small business advocacy
Per the campaign site.
About Abdi Daisane
Daisane founded and operates a childcare center employing more than 25 people and also runs a consulting firm that has helped new entrepreneurs launch businesses, per the campaign site. He holds a bachelor's degree in international relations and a master's in public administration from Saint Cloud State University, per the campaign site.
Mike Conway Republican
Mike Conway is the Republican candidate for Minnesota House District 14A on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. Is president of the St. Cloud City Council, per St. Cloud Live (stcloudlive.com). No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Abdi Daisane (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Mike Conway (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 14A. Not on the November ballot: Bernie Perryman, 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 14BZachary "Zach" Dorholt (D) · Sue Ek (R)
Zachary "Zach" Dorholt Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Supports policies that ease everyday costs for working families
- Supports expanding affordable health care, including mental health services
- Supports fully funded, equitable public schools
Per the campaign site.
About Zachary "Zach" Dorholt
Zachary Dorholt is a mental health professional with degrees in community development and counseling psychology from St. Cloud State University, per campaign site.
Sue Ek Republican
- Supports law enforcement
- Focuses on improving the local economy
- Focuses on fighting fraud in government
Per the campaign site.
About Sue Ek
Sue Ek is a longtime St. Cloud resident and communications professional with more than 30 years supporting women, families and nonprofit organizations, per campaign site. Sue Ek has served on the City of St. Cloud's Transportation Infrastructure Advisory Board, per campaign site.
Zachary "Zach" Dorholt (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Sue Ek (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 14B. Not on the November ballot: Dan Wolgamott, 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
6 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Stearns County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
City Question 1: City Plan of Government QuestionCity of Elrosa · Would adopt Optional Plan A, letting the city council appoint the clerk (and treasurer, where combined) instead of electing them.
Would adopt Optional Plan A, letting the city council appoint the clerk (and treasurer, where combined) instead of electing them.
City Question 1: Abolishment of Civil Service Personnel BoardCity of Waite Park · Would abolish City of Waite Park's civil service personnel board.
Would abolish City of Waite Park's civil service personnel board.
School District Question 1: Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving New AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 463 (Eden Valley-Watkins) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $498.85 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,528 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $498.85 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,528 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: Approval of Capital Project Levy Authorization to Fund TechnologyIndependent School District No. 739 (Kimball Area Public Schools) · Would let the school board adopt a new capital project levy authorization of 6.022% of the district's net tax capacity to fund technology, curriculum, transportation and facility maintenance costs.
Would let the school board adopt a new capital project levy authorization of 6.022% of the district's net tax capacity to fund technology, curriculum, transportation and facility maintenance costs.
School District Question 1: Renewal of Expiring Capital Project Levy To Fund TechnologyIndependent School District No. 743 (Sauk Centre Public Schools) · Would let the school board renew capital project levy authorization of 2.281% of the district's net tax capacity to fund technology, curriculum, transportation and facility maintenance costs.
Would let the school board renew capital project levy authorization of 2.281% of the district's net tax capacity to fund technology, curriculum, transportation and facility maintenance costs.
School District Question 1: Approval of School District Operating LevyIndependent School District No. 745 (Albany) · Would authorize a new school district referendum revenue (operating levy) authorization of $1,147 per pupil for ten years.
Would authorize a new school district referendum revenue (operating levy) authorization of $1,147 per pupil for ten years.
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Voting info and more
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Verify your ballot with the official election office.
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Who is on the ballot in Stearns County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Stearns County sample ballot 2026: see where the soil and water supervisor, commissioner and county auditor/treasurer candidates stand on schools and housing. 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 Stearns County ballot?
6 ballot questions: City Plan of Government Question; Abolishment of Civil Service Personnel Board; Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving New Authorization; and more. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Stearns 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 →