Cass County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
39 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 26 Cass County races, led by the Cass County Commissioner District 3 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 3Leslie Bouchonville · Aaron YoungBouchonville (Nonpartisan) Mental health and substance use disorder responseYoung (Nonpartisan) Supports balanced budgets without continuous tax increases
Leslie Bouchonville
- Mental health and substance use disorder response
- Health and human services funding
- Cybersecurity infrastructure
Per the KAXE.
About Leslie Bouchonville
Bouchonville spent nearly 30 years with the Pine River-Backus Family Center and Northland Family Center, working in program development and budget and grant management, per the campaign site. Bouchonville has also served on the Pine River-Backus School Board and volunteered with the Cass County Sheriff's Mounted Posse, per the campaign site.
Aaron Young
- Supports balanced budgets without continuous tax increases
- Supports property rights protection and transparent communication between residents and officials
Per the Pine Cone Press-Citizen.
About Aaron Young
All that could be confirmed here is the certified filing for Cass County Commissioner District 3 as listed by KAXE. He did not submit a response to KAXE's questionnaire. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Aaron Young and Leslie Bouchonville advanced from the August 11 nonpartisan special-election primary with about 36 and 26 percent, eliminating Jim Lundgren and Fred Hage, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified results; the top two meet on the November 3 ballot.
Commissioner District 4Scott D. Bruns · Tyler SeifertBruns (Nonpartisan) Wants to keep Cass County affordable and support local businessesSeifert (Nonpartisan) Permitting and budgeting reform
Scott D. Bruns
- Wants to keep Cass County affordable and support local businesses
- Focused on community health, safety and collaborative problem solving with local governments
Per the Pine Cone Press-Citizen.
About Scott D. Bruns
KAXE identifies him as the sitting District 4 commissioner seeking reelection, but incumbency could not be confirmed against an official county roster within this review, so it is recorded as false. He did not submit a response to KAXE's questionnaire. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Tyler Seifert
- Permitting and budgeting reform
- Transparency and open discussion at board meetings
- Public safety spending
Per the KAXE.
About Tyler Seifert
In KAXE's questionnaire he emphasizes permitting, budgeting and transparency, and says he wants conversations happening at meetings with concerned residents. He names public safety as his spending priority there. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Tyler Seifert and Scott D Bruns advanced from the August 11 nonpartisan primary with about 37 and 36 percent, eliminating Scott Thompson, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified results; the top two meet on the November 3 ballot.
Commissioner District 1Neal Gaalswyk · Patrick J Rafferty
Neal Gaalswyk and Patrick J Rafferty are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Cass County Commissioner District 1.
Neal Gaalswyk Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Neal Gaalswyk
Neal Gaalswyk is the incumbent Cass County Commissioner for District 1, first elected in 2010, and is seeking reelection in 2026, per the Brainerd Dispatch. He grew up farming with his family near Pillager before a 26-year career in law enforcement. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Patrick J Rafferty
No published priorities; profile only.
About Patrick J Rafferty
Patrick J Rafferty appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Cass 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 Patrick J Rafferty.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Cass County Commissioner District 1, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
SheriffAaron Ammerman · Bryan WelkAmmerman (Nonpartisan) Public safety and courthouse securityWelk (Nonpartisan) Keeping communities safe through 24/7 patrol, investigations, emergency response and crime prevention
Aaron Ammerman and Bryan Welk are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Cass County Sheriff.
Aaron Ammerman
- Public safety and courthouse security
- Listening to and supporting the community, including in difficult moments
Per the campaign site.
About Aaron Ammerman
Aaron Ammerman is a 22-year deputy with the Cass County Sheriff's Office who has served on its Boat and Water Division and SWAT team, per his campaign site. He is a Northland Community Schools board member and co-founded the sheriff's office Honor Guard, per his campaign site.
Bryan Welk
- Keeping communities safe through 24/7 patrol, investigations, emergency response and crime prevention
- Addressing mental health and substance abuse through task force and county opioid committee work
- Building trust and accountability through community engagement
Per the campaign site.
About Bryan Welk
Bryan Welk is the incumbent Cass County Sheriff, first elected in 2022 after nearly 30 years in law enforcement beginning as a 911 dispatcher, per his campaign site. He holds a criminal justice degree from Hibbing Community College and serves on the Governor's Task Force on mental health admissions.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Cass County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
AttorneyBenjamin T. LindstromLindstrom (Nonpartisan) Has personally litigated complex murder cases resulting in multi-decade or life sentences
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Benjamin T. Lindstrom
- Has personally litigated complex murder cases resulting in multi-decade or life sentences
- Led the county's transition to electronic case management and data-sharing with other agencies
- Led Cass County's shift to a county-run Community Corrections probation model
Per the campaign site.
About Benjamin T. Lindstrom
Benjamin T. Lindstrom is the incumbent Cass County Attorney, sworn in in 2017 after previously serving as an assistant county attorney in Cass County, per his campaign site. He holds a 2004 undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and a 2007 law degree from Hamline University.
Benjamin T. Lindstrom is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Cass 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 1Tom Kuschel
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tom Kuschel Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Tom Kuschel
Tom Kuschel appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Cass 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 Tom Kuschel.
Tom Kuschel is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Cass 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 5Jennifer O'Neill
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jennifer O'Neill Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Jennifer O'Neill
Jennifer O'Neill serves as the District 5 Supervisor for the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District, per the district's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Jennifer O'Neill is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Cass County Soil and Water Supervisor District 5, 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 2Dan R. Rogers (D) · Steve Green (R) · Calvin Larson Jr (UNI)Rogers (D) Make childcare accessible and affordableGreen (R) Supports stronger oversight and independent audits to stop fraud in public programs
Dan R. Rogers Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Make childcare accessible and affordable
- Support the viability of family farms
- Invest in renewable energy and protect wild spaces including the Boundary Waters
Per the campaign site.
About Dan R. Rogers
Rogers is a science teacher, third-generation farmer and logger from Hubbard County, per the campaign site.
Steve Green Republican Incumbent
- 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
Per the campaign site.
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 UNI
No published priorities; profile only.
About Calvin Larson Jr
Calvin Larson Jr is the UNI 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 (UNI) 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.
Minnesota Senate District 5Mike Wiener (R) · Skylar Fynboh (D)Wiener (R) Opposes local property tax increases that outpace household income growth
Mike Wiener Republican
- 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
Per the campaign site.
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 Democratic-Farmer-Labor
No published priorities; profile only.
About Skylar Fynboh
Skylar Fynboh is the DFL-endorsed 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.
Minnesota Senate District 6Keri Heintzeman (R) · Denise Slipy (D)
Keri Heintzeman Republican Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Keri Heintzeman
Keri Heintzeman is the sitting Republican senator for Minnesota Senate District 6, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory.
Denise Slipy Democratic-Farmer-Labor
No published priorities; profile only.
About Denise Slipy
Denise Slipy works as an environmental health and safety professional, an OSHA outreach instructor, and a first responder for northern Crow Wing County, and has volunteered as a firefighter, per her campaign site. She was raised in rural Indiana by her grandparents and now lives in Breezy Point, Minnesota, per the campaign site. She is running for Minnesota Senate District 6.
Keri Heintzeman (Republican), Denise Slipy (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 6; Keri Heintzeman 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 2BEmily Thabes (D) · Matt Bliss (R)Thabes (D) Improve childcare access and affordabilityBliss (R) Fiscal responsibility, including directing budget surpluses to benefit the district
Emily Thabes Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Improve childcare access and affordability
- Oppose corporate consolidation of family farms
- Protect waterways and forests
Per the campaign site.
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 Republican Incumbent
- 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
Per the campaign site.
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.
Minnesota House District 5ADan S. Mitchell (D) · Krista Knudsen (R)Knudsen (R) Supports cutting taxes and reducing government waste
Dan S. Mitchell Democratic-Farmer-Labor
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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 Republican Incumbent
- Supports cutting taxes and reducing government waste
- Backs ending state education mandates in favor of local control
- Supports law enforcement and reducing crime
Per the campaign site.
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.
Minnesota House District 5BMaggie Evers (D) · Jonathan Claussen (R)Evers (D) Wants to make quality health care, mental health care and emergency services more accessible and affordable, including broadband funding for telehealthClaussen (R) Supporting family-focused policies and parental involvement in children's upbringing
Maggie Evers Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Wants to make quality health care, mental health care and emergency services more accessible and affordable, including broadband funding for telehealth
- Supports lowering vehicle registration costs and addressing rural property taxes
- Backs keeping public school funding in the public school system
Per the campaign site.
About Maggie Evers
Evers is a clinical social worker specializing in mental health care, workplace-safety policy, and community crisis response, per the campaign site. She grew up in rural Minnesota and is part of a blended family that she describes as politically bipartisan, per the campaign site.
Jonathan Claussen Republican
- Supporting family-focused policies and parental involvement in children's upbringing
- Protecting Second Amendment rights and farming autonomy
- Reducing government regulation and supporting free markets
Per the campaign site.
About Jonathan Claussen
Claussen is a family physician who practiced for more than 25 years at Lakewood Health System in Staples and Browerville, Minnesota, before setting aside his practice to run for office, per the campaign site. He also serves as president of goFam Ministries, an organization focused on families and marriages, and hosts a weekly podcast, per the campaign site.
Maggie Evers (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Jonathan Claussen (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 5B. Not on the November ballot: Mike Wiener, 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.
Minnesota House District 6ABen Davis (R) · Samuel Grigsby (D)Davis (R) Supports protecting civil and religious liberty, including freedom of speech, protest and worship
Ben Davis Republican Incumbent
- Supports protecting civil and religious liberty, including freedom of speech, protest and worship
- Supports medical freedom and parental rights
- Supports developing Minnesota's mining industry for critical minerals
Per the campaign site.
About Ben Davis
Ben Davis is a pastor representing Minnesota House District 6A, which includes Grand Rapids and parts of Cass, Crow Wing and Itasca counties, according to his official legislative profile. He was first elected in 2022 and is serving his second term. He serves as co-vice chair of the State Government Finance and Policy Committee, per the House member directory.
Samuel Grigsby Democratic-Farmer-Labor
No published priorities; profile only.
About Samuel Grigsby
Samuel Grigsby of Grand Rapids has worked for more than 30 years as an EMT, firefighter, state fire instructor and police reserve officer, per the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal. He has also served on numerous nonprofit boards in the Grand Rapids area and is the DFL-endorsed candidate in District 6A, according to KAXE. His only campaign web presence found was a Facebook page, which is not linked here. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Ben Davis (Republican), Samuel Grigsby (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 6A; Ben Davis 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.
Ballot questions
5 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Cass County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
Township Question 1: Combination of Clerk and TreasurerMay 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 1: Appointment of Town ClerkSlater Township · Would let the town board appoint the clerk instead of voters electing the position.
Would let the town board appoint the clerk instead of voters electing the position.
Township Question 2: Appointment of Town TreasurerSlater Township · Would let the town board appoint the treasurer instead of voters electing the position.
Would let the town board appoint the treasurer instead of voters electing the position.
School District Question 1: Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 113 (Walker-Hackensack-Akeley) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $1,847 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 $1,847 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: Approval of School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 820 (Sebeka Public School) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $842 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 $842 per pupil for ten years.
Also on your ballot
Statewide racesEvery Minnesota race on this county's ballot.OpenBallot measures1 statewide ballot measureOpenHow to vote in Cass 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.
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Cass County 2026 election questions
Who is on the ballot in Cass County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Cass County sample ballot 2026: see where the commissioner, county sheriff and county attorney candidates stand on housing, the budget and health care. 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 Cass County ballot?
5 ballot questions: Combination of Clerk and Treasurer; Appointment of Town Clerk; Appointment of Town Treasurer; and more. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Cass 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 Cass County13
Candidate roster last updated Sep 27, 2026 from official election sources.