The 2026 election is fast approaching, and local races will help shape the policies and decisions that impact Central Minnesota businesses and communities. To help Chamber members stay informed, we’ve compiled a list of candidates running for state and local offices in our region. We encourage you to learn about the candidates, make a plan to vote, and participate in the general election on November 3rd.
Unsure of what district you’re in? Use this tool to find out.
2026 General Election – November 3
- Ballots available in person and mail: Friday, September 18
- Start of early voting: Friday, October 16
- Last day to vote early in person: Monday, November 2
- Ballots must be received by: Tuesday, November 3
St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forums
Stay informed ahead of the election by getting to know the candidates running for office in our region. Browse the upcoming Candidate Forums below to learn more about each event and the candidates participating.
- Senate District 13 & 14: Wednesday, September 16th, 8-9:15 a.m., Chamber Office
- House District 13 A & B: Wednesday, September 23rd, 8-9:15 a.m., Chamber Office
- House District 14 A & B: Wednesday, September 23rd, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Chamber Office
- PLUS: October 8th is the Minnesota Transportation Alliance (MTA) Regional Meeting and Candidate Forum, Best Western Kelly Inn
League of Women Voters Candidate Forums
If you have any questions about the forums below, click here.
- Minnesota Legislative District 14: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, Mississippi Room, Great River Regional Library
- St. Cloud Area School District #742: Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, District 742 Administration Office
- Minnesota Legislative District 13: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Sartell Community Center
- St. Cloud City Council: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, City Hall Council Chambers
National Elections
U. S. Senator
- Peggy Flanagan – D www.peggyflanagan.com
- Michele Tafoya – R www.micheletafoya.com
U.S. Representative District 6
- Doug Chapin – D www.chapinforcongress.com
- Tom Emmer – R www.emmerforcongress.com
State Elections
MN Governor
- Amy Klobuchar / Ben Schierer – D www.amyklobuchar.com
- Lisa Demuth / Ryan Wilson – R www.lisaformn.com
State Senator District 13 (formerly Howe)
- Jared Gapinski – R www.gapinskiformnsenate.com
- Trent Dilks – D www.trentformn13.com
State Senator District 14 (currently Putnam)
- Bernie Perryman – R www.bernieperryman.com
- Aric Putnam – D www.aricformn.com
State Representative 13A (formerly Demuth)
- Tanja Goering – R www.tanjagoeringformn.com
- Arlis Sayler – D www.arlisformn.com
State Representative 13B (formerly O’Driscoll)
- Dawn Loberg – R www.loberformnhouse.com
- Justin Doyle – D www.justindoylefor13b.com
State Representative 14A (formerly Perryman)
- Mike Conway – R www.conwayforhouse.com
- Abdi Daisane – D www.daisaneformn.com
State Representative 14B (formerly Wolgamott)
- Sue Ek – R www.ekforhouse.com
- Zachary Dorholt – D www.zacharydorholt.com
Local Elections
St. Cloud City Council
Ward 1
- *Dave Masters davemasters@charter.net
- Charlie Hobbs charliehobbsforstcloud@gmail.com
Ward 2
- *Karen Larson
Ward 3
- *Hudda Ibrahim
- Luke Christian Christian4StCloud.com
Ward 4 (formerly Conway)
- Joe Baratta
- Craig Heurung
St. Cloud Area District 742 School Board
In 2026, there will be an election to select members to fill three school board seats. Six candidates have filed for the available seats.
Board of Education Candidates:
- Heather Weems (incumbent)
- Al Dahlgren
- Sonia Eizenhoefer
- Rober Galler Jr
- Vincent Miles
- Steven Schiller
Zachary Dorholt and Natalie Copeland did not file for reelection
Please send any additions or corrections to Julie Lunning.
