The 2026 primary 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 election on Aug. 11.
2026 Primary Election – August 11
- Ballots available in person and mail: Friday, June 26
- Start of early voting: Friday, July 24
- Last day to vote early in person: Monday, August 10
- Ballots must be received by: Tuesday, August 11
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
National Elections
U. S. Senator
- Angie Craig – D www.angiecraig.com
- Peggy Flanagan – D www.peggyflanagan.com (endorsed by DFL)
- Adam Schwarze – R www.schwarzeforsenate.com (endorsed by GOP)
- Michele Tafoya – R www.micheletafoya.com
- Royce White – R www.roycewhite.us
U.S. Representative District 6
- Doug Chapin – D www.chapinforcongress.com
- Tom Emmer – R www.emmerforcongress.com
- Mike Foley – R mikefoleyforcongress.com
State Elections
MN Governor
- Amy Klobuchar / Ben Schierer – D www.amyklobuchar.com (endorsed by DFL)
- Kendall Qualls / Brian Nicholson – R www.kqformn.com (endorsed by GOP)
- Lisa Demuth / Ryan Wilson – R www.lisaformn.com
- Mike Lindell / Phillip Parrish – R www.mikelindellgov.mn
State Senator District 13 (formerly Howe)
- Aaron Brutger – R www.brutgerformnsenate.com
- 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 Savier – 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
- John Jose – R www.johnmjose.com
- Abdi Daisane – D www.daisaneformn.com
- Paul Schumacher – D
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
- Dreyton Nichols dreyton@gmail.com
- Charlie Hobbs charliehobbsforstcloud@gmail.com
Ward 2
- *Karen Larson
Ward 3
- *Hudda Ibrahim
Ward 4 (formerly Conway)
- Joe Baratta
- Craig Heurung
- Amaan Abdi
- Zak X
Please send any additions or corrections to Julie Lunning.
