Wadena County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
32 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 28 Wadena County races, led by the Wadena County Sheriff contest.
County offices
SheriffBryan Savaloja · Milo ScottSavaloja (Nonpartisan) Running existing operations within budget constraintsScott (Nonpartisan) Using grants to address staffing shortages and the jail
Bryan Savaloja
- Running existing operations within budget constraints
- Succession planning through internship programs
- Retaining quality employees
Per the KAXE.
About Bryan Savaloja
In KAXE's questionnaire he argues for continuing current operations within budget and building an internship pipeline for succession. Retention of quality employees is the third item he names there. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Milo Scott
- Using grants to address staffing shortages and the jail
- Strengthening mental health crisis coordination
Per the KAXE.
About Milo Scott
In KAXE's questionnaire he proposes using grant funding to attack both staffing shortages and the aging jail. He also calls for stronger coordination on mental health crisis response. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Bryan Savaloja and Milo Scott advanced from the August 11 nonpartisan primary with about 43 and 18 percent, eliminating Troy Wangsness, Cory Carr, and Aaron Schiller, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified results; the top two meet on the November 3 ballot.
Commissioner District 1Ron Noon
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Ron Noon Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Ron Noon
Ron Noon is the current Wadena County District 1 Commissioner and serves as chairperson of the county board, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Ron Noon is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Commissioner District 1, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Commissioner District 3Bill Stearns
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Bill Stearns Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Bill Stearns
Bill Stearns is the current Wadena County District 3 Commissioner and serves as vice chairman of the county board, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Bill Stearns is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Commissioner District 5Jon Kangas
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jon Kangas
No published priorities; profile only.
About Jon Kangas
Jon Kangas appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Commissioner District 5, 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 Jon Kangas.
Jon Kangas is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Commissioner District 5, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Auditor/TreasurerHeather Olson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Heather Olson Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Heather Olson
Heather Olson, a Verndale resident, has served as Wadena County Auditor/Treasurer since being elected in 2019, per the Wadena Pioneer Journal. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Heather Olson is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Auditor/Treasurer, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
RecorderTracy Renee Myers
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tracy Renee Myers
No published priorities; profile only.
About Tracy Renee Myers
Tracy Renee Myers appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Recorder, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Tracy Renee Myers.
Tracy Renee Myers is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Recorder, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
AttorneyKyra L. Ladd
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kyra L. Ladd Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Kyra L. Ladd
Kyra Ladd serves as Wadena County Attorney and was appointed by Governor Tim Walz in 2026 to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, per the Minnesota County Attorneys Association. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Kyra L. Ladd is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Judges
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 2Michael Leeser
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michael Leeser
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 8Matthew E. Engelking
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Matthew E. Engelking
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 9Michelle Winkis Lawson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michelle Winkis Lawson
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 11Andrew Pearson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Andrew Pearson
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 12Kevin M. Miller
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kevin M. Miller
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 13Michelle Clark
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michelle Clark
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 14Meriel Lester
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Meriel Lester
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 15Ole Tvedten
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Ole Tvedten
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 21Robert J. Raupp
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Robert J. Raupp
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 22Doug Clark
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Doug Clark
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 24Karl L. Schmidt
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Karl L. Schmidt
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 26Mark J. Herzing
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Mark J. Herzing
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 27Tammy L. Merkins
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tammy L. Merkins
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 28Antoinette C. Wetzel
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Antoinette C. Wetzel
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 30Jade M. Rosenfeldt
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jade M. Rosenfeldt
No published priorities; profile only.
About 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.
Districts and boards
Soil and Water Supervisor District 1Kenneth Berg
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kenneth Berg Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Kenneth Berg
Kenneth Berg, known as Ken, serves as Area 1 Supervisor and Secretary for the Wadena County Soil and Water Conservation District board, per the district's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Kenneth Berg is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena 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 2Brett Dailey
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Brett Dailey Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Brett Dailey
Brett Dailey appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Brett Dailey.
Brett Dailey is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Soil and Water Supervisor District 3Jeremiah Kern
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jeremiah Kern Incumbent
No published priorities; profile only.
About Jeremiah Kern
Jeremiah Kern, listed as Jerry Kern, serves on the Wadena County Soil and Water Conservation District board representing Area 3, per the district's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Jeremiah Kern is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Wadena County Soil and Water Supervisor District 3, 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 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 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.
Ballot questions
One local ballot question from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Wadena County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
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 Wadena 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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Wadena County 2026 election questions
Who is on the ballot in Wadena County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Wadena County sample ballot 2026: see where the county sheriff, commissioner and county auditor/treasurer candidates stand on public safety, taxes and growth. 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 Wadena County ballot?
1 ballot question: Approval of 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 Wadena County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →
Candidate roster last updated Sep 27, 2026 from official election sources.