Becker County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported winners in 6 of 40 races on this page; Minnesota certifies on November 19. Who is running for County Auditor-Treasurer, County Commissioner and County Sheriff and more, and where they stand on the budget, public safety and housing. Minnesota certifies the general election by November 19, 2026; county canvasses are due November 11.
Who won in Becker County? Minnesota answers on November 19.
As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported winners in 6 of 40 races on this page; Minnesota certifies on November 19. Winners appear here the day the state certifies.
Minnesota election officeNov 3 Votes were cast and countedBy Nov 11 Becker County double-checks its countNov 19 Minnesota makes it officialHow results become official
What local news is reporting
Not official yetUpdated November 4, 2026One 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.
Reports are checked daily until Minnesota certifies on November 19; a certified winner replaces the report on that day.
County offices
Auditor-TreasurerNonpartisan race · Kim Frederick · Amy Rosing
Kim Frederick
Top priorities
From other published sources
- A customer-service driven approach to the office, per Detroit Lakes Tribune
- Cross-training and succession planning within the office, per Detroit Lakes Tribune
- Improving information-sharing between county departments while keeping the office independent of county administration, per Detroit Lakes Tribune
About Kim Frederick
All that could be confirmed here is the certified filing for Becker County Auditor-Treasurer as listed by KAXE. She did not respond to KAXE's outreach and no occupation detail was verifiable within this review. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Amy Rosing
Top priorities
From other published sources
- Accuracy, consistency and transparency in the office, per Detroit Lakes Tribune
- Staying current with changing election and finance laws, per Detroit Lakes Tribune
- Fostering collaborative teamwork among staff, per Detroit Lakes Tribune
About Amy Rosing
All that could be confirmed here is the certified filing for Becker County Auditor-Treasurer as listed by KAXE. She did not respond to KAXE's outreach and no occupation detail was verifiable within this review. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Amy Rosing and Kim Frederick advanced from the August 11 nonpartisan primary with about 38 and 25 percent, eliminating Zac Baer, Nathan Martin, Darin O Halvorson, and Brent Benscoter, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified results; the top two meet on the November 3 ballot.
Full race pageCommissioner District 1Nonpartisan race · Daniel Bergstrom · Erica Jepson
Daniel Bergstrom and Erica Jepson were on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County Commissioner District 1.
Daniel Bergstrom
Daniel Bergstrom appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County Commissioner 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 Daniel Bergstrom.
Erica Jepson
Top priorities
From other published sources
- Supporting sheriff's deputies, saying county fiscal strength has relied on their work, per a Detroit Lakes Tribune questionnaire
- Addressing county staff turnover, citing over 50 employee resignations under the new administrator, per a Detroit Lakes Tribune questionnaire
- Bringing independent, fiscally responsible judgment to the board, per a Detroit Lakes Tribune questionnaire
About Erica Jepson
Erica Jepson is a farmer and child welfare expert who worked at White Earth Indian Child Welfare and Becker County Human Services before taking a role with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, per the Detroit Lakes Tribune. She is running for the open District 1 seat being vacated by longtime Commissioner Larry Knutson, per the same paper. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County Commissioner District 1, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageCommissioner District 2Nonpartisan race · David Meyer
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
David Meyer
Top priorities
From other published sources
- Wants to address county employee retention, noting more than 50 workers have left since January, per the Detroit Lakes Tribune
- Points to his business experience with employees and budgets, per the Detroit Lakes Tribune
- Wants the county to work better with the city of Detroit Lakes, per the Detroit Lakes Tribune
About David Meyer
David Meyer appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County Commissioner 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 David Meyer.
David Meyer is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County Commissioner District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · Shane Richard · Luke Sweere
Shane Richard and Luke Sweere were on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County Sheriff.
Shane Richard
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Increase deputy, jail, and dispatcher staffing levels
- Place school resource deputies and revive the D.A.R.E. program
- Adopt next-generation 911 and drone technology
About Shane Richard
Shane Richard is chief deputy of the Becker County Sheriff's Office, per his campaign site. He has 27 years in law enforcement, including 11 years as chief deputy under retiring Sheriff Todd Glander, per his campaign site and the Detroit Lakes Tribune.
Luke Sweere
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Invest in ongoing training and expand community partnerships for evolving public-safety challenges
- Uphold integrity, trust and respect as standards across the sheriff's office
- Strengthen ties with local schools and businesses through more transparency and communication
About Luke Sweere
Luke Sweere is a lieutenant with the Becker County Sheriff's Office who has spent 27 years in law enforcement, including six years as an officer and police chief in Frazee, per the Detroit Lakes Tribune. He is running to succeed retiring Sheriff Todd Glander.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Brian W. McDonald
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Brian W. McDonald
Brian W. McDonald appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County Attorney, 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 Brian W. McDonald.
Brian W. McDonald is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker 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 on the November 3 ballot.
Michael Leeser
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Matthew E. Engelking
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Michelle Winkis Lawson
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Andrew Pearson
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Kevin M. Miller
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Michelle Clark
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Meriel Lester
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Ole Tvedten
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Robert J. Raupp
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Doug Clark
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Karl L. Schmidt
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Mark J. Herzing
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Tammy L. Merkins
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Antoinette C. Wetzel
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 on the November 3 ballot.
Jade M. Rosenfeldt
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 · Curtis R. Ballard
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Curtis R. Ballard
Curtis R. Ballard appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker 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 Curtis R. Ballard.
Curtis R. Ballard is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County Soil and Water Supervisor District 1, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSoil and Water Supervisor District 4Nonpartisan race · Eugene Pavelko
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Eugene Pavelko
Eugene Pavelko appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County 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 Eugene Pavelko.
Eugene Pavelko is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Becker County Soil and Water Supervisor District 4, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Becker County is split across 6 Minnesota Senate and House districts.
Find your districts by addressMinnesota Senate: 3 districtsDistricts 2, 4, 5
Minnesota Senate District 2Dan R. Rogers (D) · Steve Green (R) · Calvin Larson Jr (United New Independence)
Dan R. Rogers
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Make childcare accessible and affordable
- Support the viability of family farms
- Invest in renewable energy and protect wild spaces including the Boundary Waters
About Dan R. Rogers
Rogers is a science teacher, third-generation farmer and logger from Hubbard County, per the campaign site.
Steve Green
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Supports stronger oversight and independent audits to stop fraud in public programs
- Supports lowering taxes on working families, farmers and small businesses
- Supports permitting reforms for Greater Minnesota and reliable, affordable energy
About Steve Green
Steve Green has represented Minnesota Senate District 2 since 2022 and previously served ten years in the Minnesota House representing District 2B, per his campaign site. Green ran Lakeland Greenhouse, his family's business, from 1981 to 2004 and has since worked in construction and carpentry, per his campaign site. Green was born and raised on a farm in Fosston, Minnesota, per his campaign site.
Calvin Larson Jr
Calvin Larson Jr is the United New Independence Party candidate for Minnesota Senate District 2 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.
Dan R. Rogers (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Steve Green (Republican), Calvin Larson Jr (United New Independence) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 2; Steve Green 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 4Rob Kupec (D) · Austin Peterson (R)
Rob Kupec
Rob Kupec is the sitting Democratic-Farmer-Labor senator for Minnesota Senate District 4, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory.
Austin Peterson
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Supporting law enforcement and public safety
- Protecting parents' rights and local decision-making in schools
- Preserving rural Minnesota's way of life
About Austin Peterson
Peterson is a self-made entrepreneur active in small business and real estate ventures with his wife Jeramie, per the campaign site. He grew up near the Grand Forks Air Force Base, currently serves on his local school board, and has volunteered with a nonprofit food shelf, per the campaign site.
Rob Kupec (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Austin Peterson (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 4; Rob Kupec 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 5Mike Wiener (R) · Skylar Fynboh (D)
Mike Wiener
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Opposes local property tax increases that outpace household income growth
- Supports requiring photo identification to vote
- Wants to limit government mandates on businesses and individuals
About Mike Wiener
Mike Wiener is a business owner who studied sales and marketing at St. Cloud Technical College, according to his official House biography. Paul Utke, per KAXE. He faces a DFL opponent in the November general election.
Skylar Fynboh
Skylar Fynboh is the DFL candidate for Minnesota Senate District 5, per the Brainerd Dispatch. He grew up between Akeley and Nevis on his family's farm, attended Nevis School and the Perpich Center for the Arts, and has worked as a firefighter and EMT across Greater Minnesota; he currently works in IT with Scamp Trailers while building his own business.
Mike Wiener (Republican), Skylar Fynboh (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 5. Not on the November ballot: Paul J. Utke, 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: 3 districtsDistricts 2B, 4B, 5A
Minnesota House District 2BEmily Thabes (D) · Matt Bliss (R)
Emily Thabes
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Improve childcare access and affordability
- Oppose corporate consolidation of family farms
- Protect waterways and forests
About Emily Thabes
Thabes has spent her career in nonprofit leadership, public service and education, with five years of local experience bringing together stakeholders across organizational, tribal, county, regional and state lines, per the campaign site.
Matt Bliss
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Fiscal responsibility, including directing budget surpluses to benefit the district
- Lowering healthcare costs and increasing healthcare choices
- Investing in roads, small-city infrastructure, and veterans' housing
About Matt Bliss
Matt Bliss is the sitting Republican representative for Minnesota House District 2B, per the Minnesota House of Representatives. His occupation is listed as small business owner, with a background in U.S. Navy communications and electronics, and he was first elected in 2016, per the official member directory.
Emily Thabes (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Matt Bliss (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 2B; Matt Bliss 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 4BThaddeus Laugisch (D) · Jim Joy (R)
Thaddeus Laugisch
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Bring back access to health care services for our communities
- Decrease emergency response times
- Create and fund educational opportunities for the trades
About Thaddeus Laugisch
Thaddeus Laugisch is a candidate for Minnesota House District 4B, per the campaign site. Laugisch has worked 18 years at Kava Construction Inc. as a commercial agricultural general contractor, designer and safety director, and has been a business owner for 12 years, per the campaign site. Laugisch has served as DFL Clay County Unit outreach officer and as executive director of the DFL Rural Caucus, per the campaign site.
Jim Joy
Jim Joy was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2022 and previously served as mayor of Hawley and on the Hawley City Council, according to the Detroit Lakes Tribune. He represents District 4B and faces a rematch against the same DFL challenger from 2024. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Thaddeus Laugisch (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Jim Joy (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 4B; Jim Joy 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 5ADan S. Mitchell (D) · Krista Knudsen (R)
Dan S. Mitchell
Dan Mitchell of rural Pequot Lakes served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a computer and communications specialist and now works as a cybersecurity engineer, according to the Park Rapids Enterprise. He also has experience in emergency services work, including EMS and firefighting, per the Detroit Lakes Tribune. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Krista Knudsen
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Supports cutting taxes and reducing government waste
- Backs ending state education mandates in favor of local control
- Supports law enforcement and reducing crime
About Krista Knudsen
Krista Knudsen co-owns Cowboy's Restaurant in Lake Shore with her husband Kevin, according to her campaign site. She served eight years on the Lake Shore City Council and two years as mayor before her election to the Minnesota House, where she represents District 5A.
Dan S. Mitchell (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Krista Knudsen (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 5A; Krista Knudsen 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 pageBallot questions
7 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Becker County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
City Question 1: ADOPTION OF OPTIONAL PLAN, ACity of Ogema · 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.
School District Question 1: Approval of School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 23 (Frazee-Vergas Public Schools) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $993.83 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $993.83 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: School District Question 1 Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving…Independent School District No. 2889 (Lake Park Audubon Public School) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $194.58 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,683.10 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $194.58 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,683.10 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 2: School District Question 2 Approval of School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 2889 (Lake Park Audubon Public Schools) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $600 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $600 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 549 (Perham-Dent Public Schools) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $1,135 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $1,135 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: Approval of School Building Bonds; New Capital Project Levy AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 553 (New York Mills) · Would authorize the school board to issue up to $22,160,000 in school building bonds and adopt a capital project levy of 2.7102% of net tax capacity to fund school facility and capital projects described in the ballot question.
Would authorize the school board to issue up to $22,160,000 in school building bonds and adopt a capital project levy of 2.7102% of net tax capacity to fund school facility and capital projects described in the ballot question.
School District Question 2: Approval of School Building BondsIndependent School District No. 553 (New York Mills) · Would authorize the school board to issue general obligation school building bonds of up to $2,600,000 for betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, remodeling and repurposing of the existing media center; replacement of the auditorium sound system,….
Would authorize the school board to issue general obligation school building bonds of up to $2,600,000 for betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, remodeling and repurposing of the existing media center; replacement of the auditorium sound system,….
Voting info and more
Voting info and more
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.
Who was on the ballot in Becker County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Becker County sample ballot 2026: see where the candidates stand on the budget, public safety and housing. 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 Becker County ballot?
7 ballot questions: ADOPTION OF OPTIONAL PLAN, A; Approval of School District Referendum Revenue Authorization; School District Question 1 Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving…; and more. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
Who won in Becker County?
As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported: the race for Minnesota Senate District 4 was too close to call (Pioneer Press, Nov 4); Jim Joy won Minnesota House District 4B (The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, Nov 4); 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). Results are unofficial until Minnesota certifies them on November 19. We do not call races.
Which Becker 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 Becker 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 Becker County10 ZIP codes
Candidate roster last updated Oct 24, 2026 from official election sources.