Candidate Filing Period Opens Tuesday

(KNSI) — The two week filing period to run for office opens Tuesday.

According to the Secretary of State website, all state offices are up for reelection, including governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, attorney general, senator, representative, and judicial seats. Voters may also have county officials, city officers, school board, township officers, and local ballot questions to decide.

Congressional Representatives Republicans Tom Emmer, who represents the sixth district, and Michelle Fischbach, who represents the seventh district, are also up for reelection. Democrat Jeanne Hendricks will challenge Emmer. Democrat Jill Abahsain of Sauk Centre will run against Fischbach.

Former Republican state Senator Dr. Scott Jensen secured the GOP endorsement for governor to run against incumbent Democratic Governor Tim Walz at the party’s convention over the weekend in Rochester. Other candidates for governor include the Forward Party’s Cory Hepola, Hugh McTavish running under the Independence-Alliance Party, and Independent Party’s Cain Pence.

Current Attorney General Keith Ellison, a Democrat, will be challenged by Republican Jim Schultz. Republican Kim Crockett will challenge incumbent Steve Simon for Secretary of State. Both Schultz and Crockett are running on the platform of election security.

Attorney Ryan Wilson will take on Julie Blaha for State Auditor.

The four St. Cloud city council ward seats are up for election this year. Ward 2 Representative Steve Laraway is not running for reelection. Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Waite Park, St. Cloud Area School District 742, Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns County also have seats open.

The filing period closes on May 31st, 2022. The primary election for the final ballot is on August 9th.

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