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Wadena County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Wadena County, Minnesota

As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported winners in 5 of 40 races on this page; Minnesota certifies on November 19. Who is running for County Sheriff, County Commissioner and County Auditor/Treasurer and more, and where they stand on public safety, taxes and growth. Minnesota certifies the general election by November 19, 2026; county canvasses are due November 11.

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

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

As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported winners in 5 of 40 races on this page; Minnesota certifies on November 19. Winners appear here the day the state certifies.

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

What local news is reporting

Not official yetUpdated November 4, 2026

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

U.S. Senate
Peggy Flanagan won the race for U.S. Senate, the Pioneer Press reported.Pioneer Press, “Amy Klobuchar elected MN governor, Democrats win other statewide offices”, November 4, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Peggy Flanagan 53.7%, Michele Tafoya 43.6%, Marisa Simonetti 1.5%, Rebecca Whiting 1.2%, Write-in 0.1% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4105 of 4105 precincts, Nov 12)
Governor
Amy Klobuchar won the race for Governor with 56% to 42% with 70% of precincts reporting, the Pioneer Press reported.Pioneer Press, “Amy Klobuchar elected MN governor, Democrats win other statewide offices”, November 4, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Amy Klobuchar 55.5%, Lisa Demuth 42.6%, Steven Young 1.8%, Write-in 0.1% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4105 of 4105 precincts, Nov 12)
Attorney General
Keith Ellison won the race for Attorney General, the Pioneer Press reported.Pioneer Press, “Amy Klobuchar elected MN governor, Democrats win other statewide offices”, November 4, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Keith Ellison 54.3%, Ron Schutz 45.6%, Write-in 0.2% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4105 of 4105 precincts, Nov 12)
Secretary of State
Steve Simon won the race for Secretary of State, the Pioneer Press reported.Pioneer Press, “Amy Klobuchar elected MN governor, Democrats win other statewide offices”, November 4, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Steve Simon 54.7%, Tad Jude 41.8%, George "Chip" Tangen 2.0%, Seth Kuhl-Stennes 1.5%, Write-in 0.0% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4105 of 4105 precincts, Nov 12)
Auditor
Zack Filipovich won the race for Auditor, the MPR News reported.MPR News, “Ellison wins tough test in closely watched race for Minnesota attorney general”, November 3, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Zack Filipovich 52.9%, Scott Jensen 44.2%, Jay Reeves 2.8%, Write-in 0.1% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4105 of 4105 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Bryan Savaloja 62.2%, Milo Scott 37.6%, Write-in 0.2% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 24 of 24 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Ron Noon 99.0%, Write-in 1.0% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 3 of 3 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Bill Stearns 98.3%, Write-in 1.7% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 2 of 2 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Jon Kangas 99.2%, Write-in 0.8% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 4 of 4 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Heather Olson 99.3%, Write-in 0.8% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 24 of 24 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Tracy Renee Myers 99.6%, Write-in 0.4% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 24 of 24 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Kyra L. Ladd 98.0%, Write-in 2.0% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 24 of 24 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Rick Darling 60.3%, Andrew Pearson 39.3%, Write-in 0.4% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 1 of 1 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Doug Clark 90.2%, Abigail Wolters 9.6%, Write-in 0.1% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 25 of 25 precincts, Nov 12)
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Karl L. Schmidt 99.5%, Write-in 0.5% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 1 of 1 precincts, Nov 12)
15 more races below.
Ballot questions

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

County offices

SheriffNonpartisan race · Bryan Savaloja · Milo Scott

Bryan Savaloja

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

From other published sources

  • Running existing operations within budget constraints, per KAXE
  • Succession planning through internship programs, per KAXE
  • Retaining quality employees, per 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

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

From other published sources

  • Using grants to address staffing shortages and the jail, per KAXE
  • Strengthening mental health crisis coordination, per 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.

Full race page
Commissioner District 1Nonpartisan race · Ron Noon

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Ron Noon

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

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Commissioner District 3Nonpartisan race · Bill Stearns

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Bill Stearns

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

Full race page
Commissioner District 5Nonpartisan race · Jon Kangas

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Jon Kangas

Nonpartisan

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).

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Auditor/TreasurerNonpartisan race · Heather Olson

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Heather Olson

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

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RecorderNonpartisan race · Tracy Renee Myers

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Tracy Renee Myers

Nonpartisan

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).

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AttorneyNonpartisan race · Kyra L. Ladd

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Kyra L. Ladd

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

Full race page

Judges

Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 2Nonpartisan race · Michael Leeser

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Michael Leeser

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 8Nonpartisan race · Matthew E. Engelking

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Matthew E. Engelking

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 9Nonpartisan race · Michelle Winkis Lawson

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Michelle Winkis Lawson

Nonpartisan

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 page
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 11Nonpartisan race · Andrew Pearson

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Andrew Pearson

Nonpartisan

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 page
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 12Nonpartisan race · Kevin M. Miller

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Kevin M. Miller

Nonpartisan

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 page
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 13Nonpartisan race · Michelle Clark

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Michelle Clark

Nonpartisan

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 page
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 14Nonpartisan race · Meriel Lester

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Meriel Lester

Nonpartisan

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 page
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 15Nonpartisan race · Ole Tvedten

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Ole Tvedten

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 21Nonpartisan race · Robert J. Raupp

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Robert J. Raupp

Nonpartisan

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 page
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 22Nonpartisan race · Doug Clark

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Doug Clark

Nonpartisan

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 page
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 24Nonpartisan race · Karl L. Schmidt

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Karl L. Schmidt

Nonpartisan

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 page
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 26Nonpartisan race · Mark J. Herzing

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Mark J. Herzing

Nonpartisan

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 page
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 27Nonpartisan race · Tammy L. Merkins

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Tammy L. Merkins

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 28Nonpartisan race · Antoinette C. Wetzel

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Antoinette C. Wetzel

Nonpartisan

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.

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Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 30Nonpartisan race · Jade M. Rosenfeldt

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Jade M. Rosenfeldt

Nonpartisan

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.

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Districts and boards

Soil and Water Supervisor District 1Nonpartisan race · Kenneth Berg

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Kenneth Berg

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

Full race page
Soil and Water Supervisor District 2Nonpartisan race · Brett Dailey

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Brett Dailey

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

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Soil and Water Supervisor District 3Nonpartisan race · Jeremiah Kern

Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.

Jeremiah Kern

NonpartisanIncumbent

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).

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By address

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

Wadena County is split across 2 Minnesota House districts.

Find your districts by address
Minnesota House: 2 districtsDistricts 5A, 5B
Minnesota House District 5ADan S. Mitchell (D) · Krista Knudsen (R)

Dan S. Mitchell

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

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

Krista Knudsen

RepublicanIncumbent

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 page
Minnesota House District 5BMaggie Evers (D) · Jonathan Claussen (R)

Maggie Evers

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • 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
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

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • 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
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.

Full race page
Minnesota Senate District 5Mike Wiener (R) · Skylar Fynboh (D)

Mike Wiener

Republican

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

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

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 page

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.

Yes: The district's per-pupil referendum authorization changes to $842 per pupil.
No: The existing referendum revenue authorization is not revoked or replaced.
Full details

Official source

Your address is only used to match your districts.

Voting info and more

Voting info and more
How to vote in Wadena County

Verify your ballot with the official election office.

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

Wadena County 2026 election questions

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

Wadena County sample ballot 2026: see where the county sheriff candidates stand on public safety and property. 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 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.

Who won in Wadena County?

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

Which Wadena 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 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 →

Sample ballot by ZIP code in Wadena County4 ZIP codes
Minnesota statewide racesEvery Minnesota race on this county's ballot.All Minnesota ballot measures1 statewide ballot measure

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