Dawn Espe and Rosemary Franzen are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Commissioner District 4.
August 11 primary result: Rosemary Franzen (58.82 percent) and Dawn Espe (23.54 percent) advanced to the November 3 ballot; Troy Kenneth Scheffler (17.64 percent) was eliminated, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified results.
Dawn Espe
In KAXE's candidate questionnaire she describes leadership as serving the community, listening to understand and building solutions that work for everyone. She was the only filer in this race to respond to KAXE after up to three contacts. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 8, 2026.
Priorities: Transparency, accountability and representation in county government · Decision making centered on people rather than industry interests · Removing barriers to public participation (per the KAXE)
Rosemary Franzen
KAXE identifies her as the sitting District 4 commissioner, but incumbency could not be confirmed against an official county roster within this review, so it is recorded as false. She did not respond to KAXE's questionnaire after up to three attempts. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 6, 2026.
Jon W. Lubke is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Commissioner District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Jon W. LubkeIncumbent
Jon W. Lubke is the incumbent Crow Wing County Commissioner for District 2, serving since 2023 and previously mayor of Jenkins for 15 years, per the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal. He serves on several regional boards including the Association of Minnesota Counties. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 6, 2026.
Priorities: Wants to maintain strong public safety services and responsible budgeting · Supports continued intergovernmental cooperation and long-term planning that protects economic vitality and natural resources
Tad A. Erickson and Jessica Tabatt are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Commissioner District 3.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Tad A. Erickson
A Brainerd City Council member representing Ward 1 and a transportation planner with the Region Five Development Commission in Staples, per the Brainerd Dispatch. He chairs the council's Safety and Public Work Committee and previously served on the Brainerd Planning Commission, per the Brainerd Dispatch. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 6, 2026.
Priorities: More public input and flexibility in zoning and development rules · Addressing the housing shortage in Crow Wing County · Keeping property taxes as low as possible while maintaining public safety and services
Jessica Tabatt
Jessica Tabatt is a podiatrist who practiced in Brainerd for nearly a decade and held leadership roles at St. Joseph's Hospital, per the Brainerd Dispatch. She lives in Baxter with her husband and two daughters and is running for the Crow Wing County District 3 seat. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 6, 2026.
Priorities: Careful listening, collaboration, accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars · Protect public health and support public safety · Maintain infrastructure and deliver essential services with fairness and common sense
Eric Klang is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Eric Klang
Eric Klang is the incumbent Crow Wing County Sheriff, elected in November 2022, who announced his intent to seek re-election on May 14, 2026, per the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal. He has more than two decades of law enforcement experience, per the Brainerd Dispatch. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 6, 2026.
Priorities: Improving how the sheriff's office implements its values · Rebuilding a culture that respects and values staff and partnerships with stakeholders · Restoring trust between staff, administration, and law enforcement partners (per the campaign site)
Kelsey Hopps is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Kelsey Hopps
Kelsey Hopps was appointed Crow Wing County Attorney in August 2025 after seven years as an assistant county attorney, becoming the first woman to hold the office, per the Brainerd Dispatch. She succeeded Don Ryan, who retired after more than three decades in the role, per the same source. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 6, 2026.
Diane Jacobson is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Diane JacobsonIncumbent
Diane Jacobson appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Diane Jacobson.
Roger Waytashek is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Crow Wing County Soil and Water Supervisor District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Roger WaytashekIncumbent
Roger Waytashek serves as Vice-Chair and District 3 supervisor for the Crow Wing County Soil and Water Conservation District, per the district's website. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 6, 2026.
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.
Keri Heintzeman (Republican)Incumbent
Keri Heintzeman is the Republican candidate for Minnesota Senate District 6 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. Keri Heintzeman is a sitting member for the district, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory (senate.mn). This name has not yet been researched.
Denise Slipy (Democratic-Farmer-Labor)
Denise Slipy is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Minnesota Senate District 6 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. This name has not yet been researched.
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.
Nathan Wesenberg (Republican)Incumbent
Nathan Wesenberg is the Republican candidate for Minnesota Senate District 10 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. Nathan Wesenberg is a sitting member for the district, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory (senate.mn). This name has not yet been researched.
Priorities: Protecting Second Amendment rights · Opposing government overreach · Supporting parents' role in their children's upbringing (per the campaign site)
Tara Killen (Democratic-Farmer-Labor)
Tara Killen is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Minnesota Senate District 10 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. No campaign website or questionnaire response 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.
Ben Davis (Republican)Incumbent
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. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 11, 2026.
Samuel Grigsby (Democratic-Farmer-Labor)
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 or questionnaire response was found as of September 11, 2026.
Nicky Hardy (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Josh Heintzeman (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 6B; Josh Heintzeman 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.
Nicky Hardy (Democratic-Farmer-Labor)
Nicky Hardy is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Minnesota House District 6B on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. This name has not yet been researched.
Josh Heintzeman (Republican)Incumbent
Josh Heintzeman is the Republican candidate for Minnesota House District 6B on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. Josh Heintzeman is a sitting member for the district, per the Minnesota House of Representatives's official member directory (house.mn.gov). Is a small-business owner based in Merrifield, per Minnesota House of Representatives official member profile. First elected in 2014 and is serving his sixth term representing District 6B, which includes Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point and Jenkins in Crow Wing County, per Minnesota House of Representatives official member profile; Brainerd Dispatch. Holds an A.A. in business from Central Lakes College, per Minnesota House of Representatives official member profile. No campaign website or questionnaire response was found as of September 11, 2026.
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.
Melissa Maertens (Democratic-Farmer-Labor)
Melissa Maertens is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Minnesota House District 10A on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. This name has not yet been researched.
Mark Striemer (Republican)
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.
Priorities: Increasing accountability and transparency in state government spending · Reducing wasteful government spending · Protecting constitutional rights and equal justice under the law (per the campaign site)
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Crow Wing County 2026 election questions
Who is on the ballot in Crow Wing County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Crow Wing County, Minnesota sample ballot for November 3, 2026: 12 certified races, 19 candidates with bios and priorities. 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 Crow Wing County ballot?
2 ballot questions: Adopt Form of Government; Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue Authorization. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Crow Wing 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 →
