Candidate Filing Window Opens in Minnesota for 2026 Election
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The candidate filing window for this year’s election is now open in Minnesota.
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Anyone wishing to run for local, state and federal office has until June 2 to throw their hat in the ring.
Multiple seats are on the ballot in Rochester at all three levels of government. The Primary Election is August 11 and Election Day is November 3.
Rochester City Council, School District & Olmsted County Board Seats to be Decided in 2026 Election
Three of the seven seats on the Rochester City Council are up for election this year. Those seats represent the first, third and fifth wards.
Rochester will also have a new mayor after the upcoming election. Current Mayor Kim Norton announced in March that she will not seek re-election.
Three Olmsted County Board Seats, Sheriff and County Attorney on the Ballot
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners will also have three seats on the ballot this year. Districts two, four and six will be decided this fall.
In addition to the board positions, Sheriff, County Attorney and three Water and Soil Supervisor seats are also on the ballot.
Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson announced earlier this year that he will not seek re-election.
Read More: Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson Announces Retirement Plans
Former County Attorney Mark Ostrem retired last year. Michael Walters was tabbed by the County Board to fill the remainder of Ostrem’s term.
State Legislature & Governor on the Ballot
All seats in the state legislature are on the ballot this year. Minnesota will also have a new governor after Gov. Tim Walz announced in January that he will not seek re-election.
Read More: Gov. Tim Walz Drops Out of 2026 Race
In addition to voting on who represents southern Minnesota in the U.S. House of Representatives, Minnesota voters will also likely decide on two new U.S. Senators.
Sen. Tina Smith announced her current term will be her last. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has announced a run for governor.
Changes to Rochester School Board Elections
The filing window for the Rochester Public School District (RPS) board seats will open in July.
Seats two, four, five and six are on the ballot this year. Earlier this year the RPS Board voted to scrap primary elections.
Read More: Bill to Change Rochester School Board Election Format Signed into Law
State lawmakers also approved a format change that will award the open seats to the top four vote getters.
The Minnesota Communities Defying the State Flag Redesign
Gallery Credit: Troy Dunken
