Filing Opens Today for Central Minnesota City, County, and School Board Races

(KNSI) – Election season is officially underway. Tuesday, May 19th, is the first day candidates can file for city, county, and school board races across central Minnesota. The filing period closes June 2nd.

In St. Cloud, all four ward seats on the city council are up for election in 2026. Those seats are currently held by Dave Masters in Ward 1, Karen Larson in Ward 2, Hudda Ibrahim in Ward 3, and Council President Mike Conway in Ward 4.

Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum’s seat is up, along with the council seats held by Jed Meyer and Tim Elness.

In Sauk Rapids, the at-large council seats held by Ellen Thronson and Nick Sauer are on the ballot.

Waite Park voters will decide Mayor Ken Schmitt’s seat, as well as the council seats held by Shawn Blackburn and Frank Theisen.

In St. Joseph, Mayor Adam Scepaniak’s seat is up, along with two council seats held by Kevin Kluesner and Andrew Mooney.

Three Stearns County Commissioner seats are up for reelection: District 1 held by Tarryl Clark, District 3 held by Jeff Bertram, and District 4 held by Bob Johnson. The Sheriff Steve Soyka is seeking reelection as is County Attorney Janelle Kendall, and Auditor-Treasurer Randy Schreifels.

In Benton County, several terms are expiring, including the offices of sheriff, county attorney, and auditor-treasurer. Sheriff Troy Heck has announced he is not seeking reelection. County Attorney Kathleen Reuter and Auditor-Treasurer Christine Scherbing are also up for their respective offices. The Benton County Commissioner seats in District 2, held by Ed Popp, and District 3, held by Steve Heinen, will also appear on the November ballot.

In the St. Cloud Area School District, three school board seats are up for election. They are currently held by Zachary Dorholt, Natalie Copeland, and Heather Weems.

The Sartell-St. Stephen School Board has three seats up: those held by Jen Smith, Emily Larson, and Scott Wenshau.

On the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board, the seats held by Robyn Holthaus, Lisa Loidolt, and Dan Johnson are up.

Candidates have until June 2nd to file. More information on filing requirements is available through each city, county, and school district office.

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