56453

Who was on the ballot in 56453?

Reported by The Ballot Brief Editorial Team. Updated as public election and video sources change.

As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported winners in 5 of 24 races and results on 1 of 1 ballot question on this page; Minnesota certifies on November 19. Fields below show the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Certified results will appear here as election offices certify them. Minnesota certifies the general election by November 19, 2026; county canvasses are due November 11.

We use AI to research and write election information. Errors are possible. Verify important details with official sources.

24 races and 1 ballot question in your ZIP preview.

About this preview
County and municipal contests depend on your exact address: use the address lookup below for the full slate. Every race links to official sources on the Minnesota voter hub.
Not official yet

Who won in Otter Tail County? Minnesota answers on November 19.

As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported winners in 5 of 24 races and results on 1 of 1 ballot question 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 Otter Tail 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: Otter Tail 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.

Michelle Fischbach won the race for U.S. House, District 7, KSTP reported.KSTP, “Election Day 2026: Minnesota's 1st Congressional District headed to likely recount”, November 3, 2026. Unofficial until certified.Unofficial count: Michelle Fischbach 64.9%, Erik Osberg 35.0%, Write-in 0.1% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 1327 of 1327 precincts, Nov 12)
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)
State Auditor
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Otter Tail County Sheriff
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Reed Reinbold 61.0%, Terry Frost 38.7%, Write-in 0.2% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 91 of 91 precincts, Nov 12)
Otter Tail County Attorney
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Michelle Marie Eldien 99.5%, Write-in 0.6% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 91 of 91 precincts, Nov 12)
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 2
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 8
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 9
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 11
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)
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 12
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 13
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 14
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 15
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 21
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 22
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)
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 24
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)
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 26
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 27
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 28
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 30
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election office
Minnesota Senate District 9
No report found yetRunning count: Minnesota election officeUnofficial count: Jordan Rasmusson 69.6%, Krystyne M. Knutson 30.3%, Write-in 0.1% (Minnesota Secretary of State, 183 of 183 precincts, Nov 12)
Ballot measures

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

U.S. House, Minnesota District 7
2 candidates
Federal ▾
Michelle Fischbach portrait
MF
Michelle Fischbach
REP INCUMBENT
Biography
Fischbach is a sitting member of the U.S. House representing Minnesota's Seventh District who previously served as the 49th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota and as the first woman President of the Minnesota Senate; she holds a B.A. from St. Cloud State University and a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law, per the campaign site.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Says the unborn have a fundamental right to life and supports defending the sanctity of life
  • Says the right to keep and bear arms must be vigilantly defended
  • Backs zero based budgeting, building the federal budget up from zero rather than prior spending
Key voting record
Voted yes on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the 2025 tax-and-spending package, which passed the House 218-214 in July 2025. Supported
Voted yes on the Laken Riley Act, expanding federal detention of certain immigrants charged with theft or violent crimes, which passed the House 263-156 in January 2025. Supported
Voted yes on the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2026, which passed the House 231-196 in September 2025. Supported
Erik Osberg portrait
EO
Erik Osberg
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Biography
Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator for Otter Tail County for the past nine years and a first-time candidate from Wadena, per Valley News Live.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Defend the Constitution
  • Get corporate money out of politics
  • Health care for all
About this race
Candidate list from the Minnesota Secretary of State, as certified for the August 11, 2026 primary. Each party's primary winner advanced to the November 3 general ballot; candidates who filed by petition appear only on the November ballot. The August 11 DFL primary is decided: Erik Osberg won with 65.70 percent over Steve Carlson (34.30). Incumbent Michelle Fischbach was the sole Republican filer. Vote shares are unofficial until the state canvass.
U.S. Senate
4 candidates
Federal ▾
Peggy Flanagan portrait
PF
Peggy Flanagan
DFL
Biography
Flanagan serves as Minnesota's lieutenant governor, a position held since 2019, per the campaign site. Flanagan is a member of the White Earth Nation and holds a degree from the University of Minnesota, per the campaign site. The campaign site says Flanagan's background includes work as a nonprofit executive director, an organizational trainer, and a state legislator, and that Flanagan was elected to the Minneapolis School Board at age 25, per the campaign site.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Ending corruption
  • Healthcare
  • Affording your life
Michele Tafoya portrait
MT
Michele Tafoya
REP
Biography
Michele Tafoya is a four-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and a former NFL sideline reporter whose career spanned nearly three decades, per the campaign site. The campaign site says she retired after covering Super Bowl LVI in February 2022 and is now a political and cultural commentator.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Stop the fraud
  • Law and order
  • Cut costs and taxes for the middle class
MS
Marisa Simonetti
Independent
Biography
Marisa Simonetti is the independent candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat, listed as Independent (no party) on the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table. The campaign site calls the campaign Marisa for Minnesota, with the message We the People vs. The System, per the campaign site.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Energy
RW
Rebecca Whiting
Libertarian
Biography
Rebecca Whiting is the Libertarian Party candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table. The campaign site, whiting4senate.us, invites visitors to join the movement to #EndTheWars and #DefundTheGovernment, per the campaign site.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • No more wars
  • No more entangling alliances
  • Bring the troops home
Governor
2 candidates
Statewide ▾
AK
Amy Klobuchar
DEM
Biography
Klobuchar is a sitting U.S. Senator seeking the Minnesota governorship; she previously served as a county prosecutor and is the granddaughter of an iron-ore miner and the daughter of a newspaperman and a second-grade teacher, per the campaign site.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Lower costs for Minnesotans
  • Make government accountable and root out fraud
  • Prepare Minnesota's workforce for the future
Lisa Demuth portrait
LD
Lisa Demuth
REP
Biography
Lisa Demuth is speaker of the Minnesota House, a fourth-term state representative from Cold Spring, a former small-business owner and an eleven-year ROCORI school board member, and the Republican nominee for governor. She is the first Black major-party nominee for Minnesota governor.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Taxes and affordability, which her campaign names as her top priority
  • Eliminating fraud in state programs
  • Public safety
Attorney General
2 candidates
Statewide ▾
Keith Ellison portrait
KE
Keith Ellison
DFL INCUMBENT
Biography
Ellison is the incumbent Minnesota Attorney General running for re-election, per the campaign site. His office has worked on insulin cost reductions, consumer robocall protections and opioid settlement funds for the state, per the campaign site.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Protect consumers, workers, and civil rights
  • Use the attorney general's office for public-safety and accountability cases
  • Defend reproductive rights and state legal authority
Ron Schutz portrait
RS
Ron Schutz
REP
Biography
Ron Schutz is a trial lawyer who was a partner in a national litigation firm and served as its chairman from 2019 to 2024, per his campaign site, and the Republican nominee for Minnesota attorney general.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Fighting fraud
  • Consumer protection
  • Tackling crime and supporting law enforcement
Secretary of State
4 candidates
Statewide ▾
SS
Steve Simon
DFL INCUMBENT
Biography
Steve Simon is Minnesota's incumbent secretary of state, in office since 2015, and the DFL nominee for another term, unopposed in the August 11 primary. His office oversees elections, business filings, public records, voter information, and civic participation across Minnesota.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Defend democracy and strengthen the freedom to vote
  • Push back against election disinformation
  • Support small businesses and enhance protections for the most vulnerable
Tad Jude portrait
TJ
Tad Jude
REP
Biography
Tad Jude is a former district court judge in the 10th Judicial District and a former member of the Minnesota House, Minnesota Senate and Hennepin County Board, and the Republican nominee for secretary of state.
Top Priorities
From other published sources
  • Require photo identification to vote, per his campaign plan
  • Clean up the voter rolls and verify citizenship, per his campaign plan
  • Prevent fraud in public programs, per his campaign plan
G"
George "Chip" Tangen
Libertarian
Biography
George "Chip" Tangen is a Libertarian candidate for Minnesota secretary of state who qualified for the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot by nominating petition. An attorney raised in Eden Prairie, he previously served as legislative counsel to U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad in Washington.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Nonpartisan administration of Minnesota elections
  • Ballot access for independent and minor-party candidates
  • Maximizing both voter participation and election security
Seth Kuhl-Stennes portrait
SK
Seth Kuhl-Stennes
Green
Biography
Kuhl-Stennes is a Baudette, Minnesota native who has spent 20 years working across cooperatives, for-profit businesses and nonprofits, including seven years in union roles with UFCW Local 663 and OPEIU Local 12, per the campaign site. He holds a political science degree from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, per the campaign site.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Expand voting access and ballot access
  • Increase election transparency
  • Support civic participation and community accountability
State Auditor
3 candidates
Statewide ▾
Zack Filipovich portrait
ZF
Zack Filipovich
DFL
Biography
Zack Filipovich is a certified management accountant and nonprofit finance manager and a former Duluth city councilor and council president, and the DFL nominee for state auditor, unopposed in the August 11 primary. The seat is open because Julie Blaha announced in September 2025 that she would not seek re-election. His campaign emphasizes local-government oversight, financial accountability, transparency, and support for communities managing public dollars.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Strengthening our communities
  • Communicating and building trust
Scott Jensen portrait
SJ
Scott Jensen
REP
Biography
Jensen is a candidate for Minnesota State Auditor and a family medicine physician with 40 years of practice in Carver County; he previously served in the Minnesota Senate and has served on a bank's board of directors as Audit Committee Chair and on his local school district board, per the campaign site.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Stop fraud
  • Accountability and internal controls
  • Compliance and ongoing audits
JR
Jay Reeves
Forward Independence
Biography
Jay Reeves is a Forward Independence Party candidate for Minnesota state auditor and an Army veteran. His campaign emphasizes independent oversight, public accountability, and non-major-party representation in statewide fiscal review.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Offer independent oversight of public finances
  • Strengthen accountability and transparency
  • Bring military service experience to statewide office

Countywide races in Otter Tail County

ZIP 56453 sits in Otter Tail County, per the Census crosswalk. These seats are voted countywide; district seats, city races and school boards need a street address. All Otter Tail County races (26).

Otter Tail County Sheriff
2 candidates
County ▾
TF
Terry Frost
Nonpartisan
Biography
Frost is running to succeed retiring Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons in an open race for Otter Tail County Sheriff, per the Perham Focus. He is a sergeant in the Minnesota National Guard who has completed multiple overseas deployments and is a New York Mills graduate. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
RR
Reed Reinbold
Nonpartisan
Biography
The Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy, SWAT commander and deputy emergency manager, with 23 years as a licensed Minnesota peace officer and more than 21 years at the department, per Valley News Live.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Leadership, accountability and public trust in the sheriff's office
  • Strengthening technology and infrastructure, including the department's body-worn camera program
  • Professionalism and training for all office staff
About this race
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Otter Tail County Attorney
1 candidate
County ▾
MM
Michelle Marie Eldien
Nonpartisan INCUMBENT
Biography
Michelle Marie Eldien appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Michelle Marie Eldien.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
Michelle Marie Eldien is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 2
1 candidate
County ▾
ML
Michael Leeser
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 8
1 candidate
County ▾
ME
Matthew E. Engelking
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 9
1 candidate
County ▾
MW
Michelle Winkis Lawson
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 11
1 candidate
County ▾
AP
Andrew Pearson
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 12
1 candidate
County ▾
KM
Kevin M. Miller
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 13
1 candidate
County ▾
MC
Michelle Clark
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 14
1 candidate
County ▾
ML
Meriel Lester
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 15
1 candidate
County ▾
OT
Ole Tvedten
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 21
1 candidate
County ▾
RJ
Robert J. Raupp
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 22
1 candidate
County ▾
DC
Doug Clark
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 24
1 candidate
County ▾
KL
Karl L. Schmidt
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 26
1 candidate
County ▾
MJ
Mark J. Herzing
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 27
1 candidate
County ▾
TL
Tammy L. Merkins
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 28
1 candidate
County ▾
AC
Antoinette C. Wetzel
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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 30
1 candidate
County ▾
JM
Jade M. Rosenfeldt
Nonpartisan
Biography
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.
Why only one name?
Only one name was on the ballot for this office: no other candidate qualified. An unopposed candidate is elected unless a write-in outpolls them where write-ins are allowed, so this line still counts as a vote.
About this race
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.
Minnesota Senate District 9
2 candidates
County ▾
Jordan Rasmusson portrait
JR
Jordan Rasmusson
REP INCUMBENT
Biography
Jordan Rasmusson has served as the State Senator for Minnesota Senate District 9 since being elected in 2022, and previously served in the Minnesota House from 2021 to 2023, per his campaign site. Rasmusson is the sixth generation of his family to live in Otter Tail County and graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College, per his campaign site.
Top Priorities
From the campaign site
  • Supports controlling state spending and taxes
  • Supports farmers, small business owners and entrepreneurs and school choice
KM
Krystyne M. Knutson
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Biography
Krystyne Knutson owns Soapy Puppy Bed and Biscuit in Fergus Falls, per the Fergus Falls Journal. In 2021 she founded SAGA Youth, a nonprofit aiming to create an inclusive space for LGBTQ community members in Fergus Falls, according to Fergus Now. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
About this race
Jordan Rasmusson (Republican), Krystyne M. Knutson (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 9; Jordan Rasmusson 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. Every address in Otter Tail County is in this district, per the certified district list.

Statewide, Minnesota voters also decide 1 ballot question. See the Minnesota ballot measures guide.

Increasing funding to school districts
Passed, the Sahan Journal reported.Sahan Journal, “Minnesota voters approve school funding boost without raising taxes”, November 3, 2026. Unofficial until certified.

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