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Aitkin County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Aitkin County, Minnesota

As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported winners in 5 of 37 races on this page; Minnesota certifies on November 19. Who is running for County Commissioner, County Treasurer and County Recorder and more, and where they stand on jobs, schools and the budget. Minnesota certifies the general election by November 19, 2026; county canvasses are due November 11.

25 races were on the November ballot · 32 candidates · Updated Oct 24, 2026
Candidate roster last updated Oct 24, 2026 from official election sources. Enter your ZIP code at theballotbrief.com to see your exact 2026 ballot.
This list comes from official election records but may be incomplete. It can miss, for example, late or petition candidates and some city, school and district races. Your official sample ballot is the final word.
Not official yet

Who won in Aitkin County? Minnesota answers on November 19.

As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported winners in 5 of 37 races on this page; Minnesota certifies on November 19. Winners appear here the day the state certifies.

Minnesota election office
Nov 3 Votes were cast and countedBy Nov 11 Aitkin County double-checks its countNov 19 Minnesota makes it officialHow results become official
Nov 3: Votes were cast and counted. Election night totals are a first count, not the final one.
By Nov 11: Aitkin County double-checks its count. The county reviews mail ballots, provisional ballots and any recount, then sends official totals to the state.
Nov 19: Minnesota makes it official. The State Canvassing Board certifies the result. Winners appear on this page that day.

What local news is reporting

Not official yetUpdated November 4, 2026

One line per race on this page, each cited to the outlet that reported it. We do not call races. Official running count: Minnesota election office.

U.S. Senate
Peggy Flanagan won the race for U.S. Senate, the Pioneer Press reported.Pioneer Press, “Amy Klobuchar elected MN governor, Democrats win other statewide offices”, November 4, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Peggy Flanagan 53.7%, Michele Tafoya 43.6%, Marisa Simonetti 1.5%, Rebecca Whiting 1.2%, Write-in 0.1% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4105 of 4105 precincts, Nov 12)
Governor
Amy Klobuchar won the race for Governor with 56% to 42% with 70% of precincts reporting, the Pioneer Press reported.Pioneer Press, “Amy Klobuchar elected MN governor, Democrats win other statewide offices”, November 4, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Amy Klobuchar 55.5%, Lisa Demuth 42.6%, Steven Young 1.8%, Write-in 0.1% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4105 of 4105 precincts, Nov 12)
Attorney General
Keith Ellison won the race for Attorney General, the Pioneer Press reported.Pioneer Press, “Amy Klobuchar elected MN governor, Democrats win other statewide offices”, November 4, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Keith Ellison 54.3%, Ron Schutz 45.6%, Write-in 0.2% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4105 of 4105 precincts, Nov 12)
Secretary of State
Steve Simon won the race for Secretary of State, the Pioneer Press reported.Pioneer Press, “Amy Klobuchar elected MN governor, Democrats win other statewide offices”, November 4, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Steve Simon 54.7%, Tad Jude 41.8%, George "Chip" Tangen 2.0%, Seth Kuhl-Stennes 1.5%, Write-in 0.0% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4105 of 4105 precincts, Nov 12)
Auditor
Zack Filipovich won the race for Auditor, the MPR News reported.MPR News, “Ellison wins tough test in closely watched race for Minnesota attorney general”, November 3, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Zack Filipovich 52.9%, Scott Jensen 44.2%, Jay Reeves 2.8%, Write-in 0.1% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4105 of 4105 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Timothy Catlin 50.1%, J. Mark Wedel 49.5%, Write-in 0.4% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 2 of 2 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Patrick Murphy 54.3%, Travis J. Leiviska 45.2%, Write-in 0.6% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 19 of 19 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Michael L. Kearney 97.5%, Write-in 2.5% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 10 of 10 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Lori A. Grams 99.5%, Write-in 0.5% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 51 of 51 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Tara L. Snyder 99.4%, Write-in 0.6% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 51 of 51 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Daniel Guida 98.3%, Write-in 1.7% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 51 of 51 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: James (Jim) Ratz 99.2%, Write-in 0.8% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 51 of 51 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Thomas Fasteland 99.5%, Write-in 0.5% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 51 of 51 precincts, Nov 12)
12 more races below.
Ballot questions

Reports are checked daily until Minnesota certifies on November 19; a certified winner replaces the report on that day.

County offices

Commissioner District 1Nonpartisan race · Timothy Catlin · J. Mark Wedel

Timothy Catlin and J. Mark Wedel were on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Commissioner District 1.

Timothy Catlin

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

From other published sources

  • Economic development, per KAXE
  • Maintaining essential county services, per KAXE
  • Fiscal responsibility, per 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

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

From other published sources

  • Addressing unfunded state and federal mandates, per KAXE
  • Affordable healthcare access, per KAXE
  • Maintaining a low tax levy, per 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.

Full race page
Commissioner District 3Nonpartisan race · Travis J. Leiviska · Patrick Murphy

Travis J. Leiviska and Patrick Murphy were on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Aitkin County Commissioner District 3.

Travis J. Leiviska

NonpartisanIncumbent

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

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

From other published sources

  • County budget management, per messagemedia.co
  • Economic development and housing initiatives, per messagemedia.co
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.

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Commissioner District 5Nonpartisan race · Michael L. Kearney

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Michael L. Kearney

Nonpartisan

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).

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TreasurerNonpartisan race · Lori A. Grams

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Lori A. Grams

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

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RecorderNonpartisan race · Tara L. Snyder

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Tara L. Snyder

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

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SheriffNonpartisan race · Daniel Guida

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Daniel Guida

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

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AttorneyNonpartisan race · James (Jim) Ratz

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

James (Jim) Ratz

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

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Judges

Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 1Nonpartisan race · Matti Adam

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Matti Adam

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 2Nonpartisan race · Henry C. Ambelang · Matthew R. Mallie

Henry C. Ambelang

Nonpartisan

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

Matthew R. Mallie

NonpartisanIncumbent

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 4Nonpartisan race · Charles D. Halverson

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Charles D. Halverson

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 5Nonpartisan race · Kimberly Wimmer

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Kimberly Wimmer

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 12Nonpartisan race · Sarah L. McBroom

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Sarah L. McBroom

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 13Nonpartisan race · Daniel M. Hawley

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Daniel M. Hawley

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 14Nonpartisan race · Kathryn A. Lorsbach

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Kathryn A. Lorsbach

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 15Nonpartisan race · Tamara L. Yon

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Tamara L. Yon

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 19Nonpartisan race · Jana Austad

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Jana Austad

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 20Nonpartisan race · Michael Patrick Grover

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Michael Patrick Grover

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 21Nonpartisan race · Patricia A. Aanes

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Patricia A. Aanes

NonpartisanIncumbent

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 9th Judicial District Court, Seat 22Nonpartisan race · Seamus P. Duffy

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Seamus P. Duffy

Nonpartisan

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.

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Districts and boards

Soil and Water Supervisor District 1Nonpartisan race · Thomas Fasteland

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Thomas Fasteland

Nonpartisan

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).

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Soil and Water Supervisor District 2Nonpartisan race · Francis Dierickx

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Francis Dierickx

Nonpartisan

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).

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By address

These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.

Aitkin County is split across 4 Minnesota Senate and House districts.

Find your districts by address
Minnesota Senate: 2 districtsDistricts 7, 10
Minnesota Senate District 7Kim (Kotonias) McLaughlin (D) · Robert Farnsworth (R)

Kim (Kotonias) McLaughlin

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • 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
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

Robert Farnsworth

RepublicanIncumbent

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • Support mining, jobs and the Iron Range economy
  • Protect medical freedom and Second Amendment rights
  • Focus on education, transportation and responsible state budgeting
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.

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Minnesota Senate District 10Nathan Wesenberg (R) · Tara Killen (D)
Nathan Wesenberg

Nathan Wesenberg

RepublicanIncumbent

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • Protecting Second Amendment rights
  • Opposing government overreach
  • Supporting parents' role in their children's upbringing
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

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • Empowering families and communities
  • Strengthening education for all ages
  • Supporting local business and rural prosperity
About Tara Killen

Tara Killen is a candidate for Minnesota State Senate District 10, per the campaign site. Killen works as a coach helping people align their lives with their values and says the campaign is about restoring balance and representation, per the campaign site.

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.

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Minnesota House: 2 districtsDistricts 7A, 10A
Minnesota House District 7ASpencer Igo (R) · Erin McCabe Ningen (D)
Spencer Igo

Spencer Igo

RepublicanIncumbent

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • 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
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

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • Reform Minnesota's school funding formula so education quality does not depend on zip code
  • Expand access to affordable housing
  • Expand health care access
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.

Full race page
Minnesota House District 10AMelissa Maertens (D) · Mark Striemer (R)

Melissa Maertens

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • Support small businesses and local commerce
  • Address education needs in the community
  • Improve access to health care
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

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • Increasing accountability and transparency in state government spending
  • Reducing wasteful government spending
  • Protecting constitutional rights and equal justice under the law
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.

Full race page

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.

Yes: The town board appoints the clerk and treasurer.
No: The clerk and treasurer remain elected positions.
Full details

Official source

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.

Yes: The clerk and treasurer offices are combined into one elected position.
No: The clerk and treasurer remain separate elected offices.
Full details

Official source

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.

Yes: The clerk and treasurer offices are combined into one elected position.
No: The clerk and treasurer remain separate elected offices.
Full details

Official source

Your address is only used to match your districts.

Voting info and more

Voting info and more
How to vote in Aitkin County

Verify your ballot with the official election office.

Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.

Aitkin County 2026 election questions

Who was on the ballot in Aitkin County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?

Aitkin County sample ballot 2026: see where the commissioner and county treasurer candidates stand on jobs. Reported results as of Nov 4; certified Nov 19. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.

When was the 2026 general election in Minnesota?

Election Day was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Certified results will appear on this page as Minnesota election offices certify them; voting information for Minnesota is on the Minnesota election hub. Minnesota certifies the general election by November 19, 2026; county canvasses are due November 11. 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.

Who won in Aitkin County?

As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported: Peggy Flanagan won U.S. Senate (Pioneer Press, Nov 4); Amy Klobuchar won Governor (Pioneer Press, Nov 4); Keith Ellison won Attorney General (Pioneer Press, Nov 4); Steve Simon won Secretary of State (Pioneer Press, Nov 4); Zack Filipovich won Auditor (MPR News, Nov 3). Results are unofficial until Minnesota certifies them on November 19. We do not call races.

Which Aitkin County ballot questions passed?

Not yet reported by the outlets we checked; Minnesota certifies on November 19. We do not call results.

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 →

Sample ballot by ZIP code in Aitkin County9 ZIP codes
Minnesota statewide racesEvery Minnesota race on this county's ballot.All Minnesota ballot measures1 statewide ballot measure

Candidate roster last updated Oct 24, 2026 from official election sources.