Aitkin County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
32 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 25 Aitkin County races, led by the Aitkin County Commissioner District 1 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 1Timothy Catlin · J. Mark WedelCatlin (Nonpartisan) Economic developmentWedel (Nonpartisan) Addressing unfunded state and federal mandates
Timothy Catlin and J. Mark Wedel are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Commissioner District 1.
Timothy Catlin
- Economic development
- Maintaining essential county services
- Fiscal responsibility
Per the KAXE.
About Timothy Catlin
In KAXE's questionnaire he names economic development, essential services and fiscal responsibility as his focus. No occupation detail was verifiable from an official or campaign source within this review. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
J. Mark Wedel
- Addressing unfunded state and federal mandates
- Affordable healthcare access
- Maintaining a low tax levy
Per the KAXE.
About J. Mark Wedel
KAXE identifies him as the sitting District 1 commissioner, but incumbency could not be confirmed against an official county roster within this review, so it is recorded as false. He told KAXE his focus is unfunded state and federal mandates and holding the tax levy low. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
August 11 primary result: J. Mark Wedel (36.76 percent) and Timothy Catlin (35.78 percent) advanced to the November 3 ballot; Christopher S. Dotzler (27.45 percent) was eliminated, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified results.
Commissioner District 3Travis J. Leiviska · Patrick MurphyMurphy (Nonpartisan) County budget management
Travis J. Leiviska and Patrick Murphy are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Commissioner District 3.
Travis J. Leiviska Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Travis J. Leiviska
Travis Leiviska is the incumbent Aitkin County Commissioner for District 3 and Vice Chair of the county board, seeking reelection in 2026, per the Aitkin Age. He represents the county on state and national county-government committees and chairs the regional Local Elected Official Board, per the county's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Patrick Murphy
- County budget management
- Economic development and housing initiatives
About Patrick Murphy
Retired vice president of operations at Raveill Trucking Inc. in McGregor, per messagemedia.co, with 23 years in airline operations and 25 years in transportation, logistics and distribution. He serves as president of the Aitkin County Lakes and Rivers Association, the Mille Lacs Watershed Board and the Long Lake Conservation Foundation Board, and was elected to the Glen Township Board of Supervisors in 2024, per messagemedia.co. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Commissioner District 5Michael L. Kearney
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michael L. Kearney
No published priorities; profile only.
About Michael L. Kearney
Michael Kearney owns and operates Gabby's Eats & Treats in Palisade and has lived in Aitkin County since retiring from active military duty in 2004, per messagemedia.co. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Michael L. Kearney is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Commissioner District 5, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
TreasurerLori A. Grams
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Lori A. Grams Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Lori A. Grams
Lori A. Grams appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County 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 Lori A. Grams.
Lori A. Grams is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Treasurer, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
RecorderTara L. Snyder
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tara L. Snyder Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Tara L. Snyder
Tara L. Snyder appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin 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 Tara L. Snyder.
Tara L. Snyder is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Recorder, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
SheriffDaniel Guida
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Daniel Guida Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Daniel Guida
Daniel Guida appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Sheriff, 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 Daniel Guida.
Daniel Guida is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
AttorneyJames (Jim) Ratz
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
James (Jim) Ratz Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About James (Jim) Ratz
Jim Ratz has served as Aitkin County Attorney since January 2007, per Message Media. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1991 and a Juris Doctor from Hamline University in 1994, and began his Aitkin County career as a law clerk in 1994 before being hired as an assistant county attorney in 1996, per Message Media. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
James (Jim) Ratz is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Judges
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 1Matti Adam
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Matti Adam
No published priorities; profile only.
About Matti Adam
Matti Adam is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed Assistant Chief Judge of the Beltrami County District Court on May 8, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Itasca County Attorney and assistant Itasca County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Matti Adam 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 2Henry C. Ambelang · Matthew R. Mallie
Henry C. Ambelang
No published priorities; profile only.
About Henry C. Ambelang
Henry C. Ambelang works as a public defender in Minnesota's 9th Judicial District and is running for judge in one of the few contested judicial races in the state this year, per KAXE. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Matthew R. Mallie Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Matthew R. Mallie
Judge Matthew R. Mallie was appointed to the Ninth Judicial District bench by Governor Tim Walz on July 12, 2019, and was elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. He earned his J.D. from Mitchell Hamline College of Law and previously worked as a solo practitioner and as a city prosecutor for multiple cities in Crow Wing County.
Henry C. Ambelang and Matthew R. Mallie are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for this seat. Minnesota's 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 4Charles D. Halverson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Charles D. Halverson
No published priorities; profile only.
About Charles D. Halverson
Charles D. Halverson is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Crow Wing County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on December 24, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously ran the Halverson Law Office and served as an assistant and managing attorney for the Ninth Judicial District Public Defender's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Charles D. Halverson 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 5Kimberly Wimmer
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kimberly Wimmer
No published priorities; profile only.
About Kimberly Wimmer
Kimberly Wimmer is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Itasca County District Court by Governor Tim Walz on January 21, 2025, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously executive vice president and general counsel of TruStar Federal Credit Union, 2015-2025, and a solo practitioner, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Kimberly Wimmer 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 12Sarah L. McBroom
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Sarah L. McBroom
No published priorities; profile only.
About Sarah L. McBroom
Sarah L. McBroom is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Itasca County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Nov. 16, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a staff attorney with Legal Aid Service of Northeast Minnesota, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Sarah L. McBroom 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 13Daniel M. Hawley
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Daniel M. Hawley
No published priorities; profile only.
About Daniel M. Hawley
Daniel M. Hawley is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Aitkin County District Court August 1, 2025, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a partner at Gammello-Pearson PLLC and a defense attorney for the Crow Wing County DWI Court, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Daniel M. Hawley 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 14Kathryn A. Lorsbach
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kathryn A. Lorsbach
No published priorities; profile only.
About Kathryn A. Lorsbach
Kathryn A. Lorsbach is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Hubbard County District Court January 10, 2025, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Clearwater County Attorney and an assistant public defender for the Ninth Judicial District, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Kathryn A. Lorsbach 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 15Tamara L. Yon
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tamara L. Yon
No published priorities; profile only.
About Tamara L. Yon
Tamara L. Yon is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Pennington County District Court by Governor Tim Pawlenty on April 7, 2006, and elected in 2008, 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an attorney at Johannson, Rust, Yon, Stock and Rasmussen and served as Ninth District Chief Judge, 2019-2023, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Tamara L. Yon 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 19Jana Austad
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jana Austad
No published priorities; profile only.
About Jana Austad
Jana Austad has served as a District Court Judge in Minnesota's 9th Judicial District for seven years, per her campaign website. She was raised in Bemidji and has spent her legal career in northern Minnesota, per the same source.
Jana Austad 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 20Michael Patrick Grover
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michael Patrick Grover
No published priorities; profile only.
About Michael Patrick Grover
Michael Patrick Grover is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Roseau County District Court September 16, 2025, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Roseau County attorney, 2007-2025, and an associate attorney at Anderson Law Offices, P.A., per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michael Patrick Grover 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 21Patricia A. Aanes
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Patricia A. Aanes Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Patricia A. Aanes
Judge Patricia A. Aanes was appointed to the Ninth Judicial District bench by Governor Mark Dayton on February 8, 2019, and was elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. She earned her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and previously practiced law in Brainerd, including as a partner at Erickson & Aanes Law Offices. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Patricia A. Aanes 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 22Seamus P. Duffy
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Seamus P. Duffy
No published priorities; profile only.
About Seamus P. Duffy
Seamus P. Duffy is a judge of the Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Mahnomen County District Court May 31, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Pennington County Attorney, 2018-2024, and an assistant public defender, 2007-2018, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Seamus P. Duffy 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 9th Judicial District covers Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau 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.
Districts and boards
Soil and Water Supervisor District 1Thomas Fasteland
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Thomas Fasteland
No published priorities; profile only.
About Thomas Fasteland
Thomas Fasteland appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin 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 Thomas Fasteland.
Thomas Fasteland is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Soil and Water Supervisor District 1, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Soil and Water Supervisor District 2Francis Dierickx
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Francis Dierickx
No published priorities; profile only.
About Francis Dierickx
Francis Dierickx appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin 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 Francis Dierickx.
Francis Dierickx is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
By address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Minnesota Senate District 7Kim (Kotonias) McLaughlin (D) · Robert Farnsworth (R)McLaughlin (D) Ensure access to a strong public education regardless of zip codeFarnsworth (R) Support mining, jobs and the Iron Range economy
Kim (Kotonias) McLaughlin Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Ensure access to a strong public education regardless of zip code
- Promote government accountability and fiscal transparency
- Support economic development and job creation in the region
Per the campaign site.
About Kim (Kotonias) McLaughlin
McLaughlin is a business manager for MN North and a former internal auditor for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, where she worked 18 years, per the campaign site. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner who has served on the Hibbing School Board for 10 years, per the campaign site.
Robert Farnsworth Republican Incumbent
- Support mining, jobs and the Iron Range economy
- Protect medical freedom and Second Amendment rights
- Focus on education, transportation and responsible state budgeting
Per the campaign site.
About Robert Farnsworth
Farnsworth is a special education teacher in the Hibbing school district and a real estate agent with Village Realty, with more than 20 years in teaching, per the campaign site. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of St. Thomas and a master's degree in special education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, per the campaign site. He is serving his first term in the Minnesota Senate, where he chairs the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, per the campaign site.
Kim (Kotonias) McLaughlin (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Robert Farnsworth (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 7; Robert Farnsworth 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.
Minnesota Senate District 10Nathan Wesenberg (R) · Tara Killen (D)Wesenberg (R) Protecting Second Amendment rights
Nathan Wesenberg Republican Incumbent
- Protecting Second Amendment rights
- Opposing government overreach
- Supporting parents' role in their children's upbringing
Per the campaign site.
About Nathan Wesenberg
Wesenberg is a wildlife biologist and lifelong resident of Little Falls, Minnesota, who serves as the incumbent state senator for District 10, per the campaign site. He points to his record opposing government overreach and supporting gun rights during his time in office, per the campaign site.
Tara Killen Democratic-Farmer-Labor
No published priorities; profile only.
About Tara Killen
Tara Killen is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Minnesota Senate District 10 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.
Nathan Wesenberg (Republican), Tara Killen (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 10; Nathan Wesenberg 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.
Minnesota House District 7ASpencer Igo (R) · Erin McCabe Ningen (D)Igo (R) Supports growing jobs and economic expansion in Northern Minnesota, including mining, timber and paper industriesNingen (D) Reform Minnesota's school funding formula so education quality does not depend on zip code
Spencer Igo Republican Incumbent
- Supports growing jobs and economic expansion in Northern Minnesota, including mining, timber and paper industries
- Supports expanding vocational and trade education options in high schools
- Supports law enforcement and emergency services personnel
Per the campaign site.
About Spencer Igo
Spencer Igo is the State Representative for Minnesota House District 7A, representing the Iron Range and Northern Minnesota, per his campaign site. Igo graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Public Administration, per his campaign site. Igo previously worked as Field Director for Congressman Jason Lewis and as a Field Representative for Congressman Pete Stauber, per his campaign site.
Erin McCabe Ningen Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Reform Minnesota's school funding formula so education quality does not depend on zip code
- Expand access to affordable housing
- Expand health care access
Per the campaign site.
About Erin McCabe Ningen
Ningen studied history and political science at Bemidji State University and worked for Governor Rudy Perpich, Congressman Jim Oberstar and Senator Paul Wellstone, per the campaign site. She currently works as a crisis counselor for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and part-time as a restaurant server, per the campaign site.
Spencer Igo (Republican), Erin McCabe Ningen (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 7A; Spencer Igo 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.
Minnesota House District 10AMelissa Maertens (D) · Mark Striemer (R)Maertens (D) Support small businesses and local commerceStriemer (R) Increasing accountability and transparency in state government spending
Melissa Maertens Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Support small businesses and local commerce
- Address education needs in the community
- Improve access to health care
Per the campaign site.
About Melissa Maertens
Maertens is a small business owner and area manager for an inventory management company with over 20 years of experience in property management, per the campaign site.
Mark Striemer Republican
- Increasing accountability and transparency in state government spending
- Reducing wasteful government spending
- Protecting constitutional rights and equal justice under the law
Per the campaign site.
About Mark Striemer
Striemer has a background in business and community leadership and has lived and worked in District 10A for most of his life, per the campaign site. He describes himself as a longtime area resident rather than a career politician, per the campaign site.
Melissa Maertens (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Mark Striemer (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 10A. Not on the November ballot: Ron Kresha, 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.
Ballot questions
3 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Aitkin County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
Township Question 1: Appointment of the Town Clerk/Treasurer by the Town BoardHill Lake Township · Would let the town board appoint the clerk and treasurer instead of voters electing them.
Would let the town board appoint the clerk and treasurer instead of voters electing them.
Township Question 1: Combining Town Clerk and TreasurerMillward Township · Would combine the elected offices of town clerk and town treasurer into a single elected clerk-treasurer position.
Would combine the elected offices of town clerk and town treasurer into a single elected clerk-treasurer position.
Township Question 2: Appointment of Town Clerk and TreasurerMillward Township · Would combine the elected offices of town clerk and town treasurer into a single elected clerk-treasurer position.
Would combine the elected offices of town clerk and town treasurer into a single elected clerk-treasurer position.
Also on your ballot
Statewide racesEvery Minnesota race on this county's ballot.OpenBallot measures1 statewide ballot measureOpenHow to vote in Aitkin CountyVerify your ballot with the official election office.
Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
More
Aitkin County 2026 election questions
Who is on the ballot in Aitkin County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Aitkin County sample ballot 2026: see where the commissioner, county treasurer and county recorder candidates stand on jobs, the budget and schools. 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 Aitkin County ballot?
3 ballot questions: Appointment of the Town Clerk/Treasurer by the Town Board; Combining Town Clerk and Treasurer; Appointment of Town Clerk and Treasurer. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Aitkin 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 →
Candidate roster last updated Sep 27, 2026 from official election sources.