Local Election Guide
Jake Spitzack
Staff Writer
The time to exercise our right to vote is upon us: the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. To register to vote online, visit mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us. To find your polling location, visit pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us. Early voting for the state elections can be done with an absentee ballot submitted in person through November 4. To apply for an absentee ballot, visit sos.state.mn.us and search “other ways to vote.”
In addition to the presidential race, the following candidates representing voters in the St. Paul Voice distribution area will be on the ballot. Candidates without information were given multiple opportunities to respond.
To vote in Minnesota, residents must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on election day, not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction, not under a court order that revokes their right to vote, and be a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days.
U.S. Senator
Name: Amy Klobuchar, DFL (incumbent)
Education: Wayzata High School, Yale University, and University of Chicago Law School
Occupation: Minnesota’s U.S. Senator
Political experience: U.S. Senator (2007-present); Hennepin County Attorney (1999-2006)
Candidate statement: “I am focused on having Minnesotans’ backs and getting things done that make a real difference in people’s lives. I work to find common ground and deliver results on important issues such as lowering prescription drug costs, ensuring quality health care, and protecting our freedoms including women’s reproductive healthcare and democracy. I delivered on important projects for St. Paul including funding to upgrade the Kellogg Street Bridge, build a new fire station in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood, and for workforce training.”
Learn more: amyklobuchar.com
Name: Joyce Lynne Lacey, Independence-Alliance
Education: Minnesota State Fergus Falls, the University of Minnesota Morris, and Lutheran Brethren Seminary
Occupation: Advocate and chaplain
Political experience: ran for governor of Minnesota in 2022
Candidate statement: “My campaign is about protecting America’s future by securing the past and stabilizing the present. We secure our past by honoring our commitments to veterans, addressing social security to ensure its solvency for the next 75 years and by ending involuntary, abusive, for-profit, fraudulent guardianships/conservatorships. To stabilize the present we address homelessness, end human trafficking and ensure our inalienable rights, which entails a return to the dignity of life from birth to natural death. To protect the future, we must get a handle on our $35 trillion national debt and enact campaign/election reform, including term limits.”
Learn more: joycelacey.com
Name: Royce White, Republican
No response
Name: Rebecca Whiting, Libertarian
No response
U.S. Representative District 2
Name: Thomas William Bowman, Conservative
Education: bachelor’s in accounting
Occupation: Software test engineer
Political experience: none
Candidate statement: “According to the Constitution, the federal government has three things that it’s supposed to provide its country: management with international relations, facilitate interstate commerce, and protect the citizens from the states making laws that would be unconstitutional.”
Learn more: 612-865-7086
Name: Angie Craig, DFL (incumbent)
Education: University of Memphis, bachelor of arts
Occupation: U.S. Representative for Minnesota District 2
Political experience: U.S. Representative for Minnesota District 2 (2018-present)
Candidate statement: “Our communities are at their best when we work together. I’ve always worked across the aisle to find the commonsense solutions needed to make life better for Minnesotans. I wrote the bill to cap insulin copays at $35/month for Minnesotan seniors, secured more than $6 million in federal funding for Minnesota law enforcement and am fighting to fully restore and protect abortion rights at the federal level. But I know there’s a lot of work still to do.”
Learn more: angiecraig.com
Name: Joe Teirab, Republican
No response
U.S. Representative District 4
Name: Betty McCollum (incumbent), DFL
Education: Inver Hills Community College, associate of arts; St. Catherine University, bachelor of arts
Occupation: U.S. Representative for Minnesota District 4
Political experience: North St. Paul City Council (1986-1992), Minnesota House of Representatives (1993-2001), U.S. House of Representatives (2001-present)
Candidate statement: “Over my career representing the 4th District, I have been a strong voice for the environment, universal health care, quality education, economic opportunity, public safety, organized labor, human rights, and a smart national security policy. And as Minnesota’s sole member of the Appropriations Committee in Congress, I work to secure millions of dollars of federal investments on an annual basis for projects, programs, and services that directly benefit Minnesota families and communities.”
Learn more: mccollumforcongress.com, 651-603-1505
Name: May Lor Xiong, Republican
Education: master’s in educational leadership from Concordia University, St Paul.
Occupation: Real estate broker
Political experience: Ran for U.S. Congress in District 4
Candidate statement: “As a mother, teacher, entrepreneur and community leader, I cannot stand idly by while the people of District 4 and America suffer under failed policies. With high inflation, everyday life is becoming increasingly difficult for Americans. Over 50% of students in Minnesota are reading below grade level and our schools are failing our children. It’s time to end the nightmare created by ineffective leadership…. Our campaign is grounded in a grassroots, neighbor-to-neighbor approach. I’ve listened to frustrations of minority groups and constituents who feel overlooked by their representatives…. Together, we can build a brighter future for District 4 and America.”
Learn more: mayformn.com
State Representative District 65B
Name: Mike Hilborn, Republican
No response
Name: María Isa Pérez-Vega, DFL (incumbent)
No response
State Representative District 52B
Name: Bianca Virnig, DFL (incumbent)
No response
Name: Douglas Willetts, Republican
Education: associate of arts in business from Wentworth Military Academy Jr. College, bachelor of science in outdoor recreation from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Occupation: Retired U.S. Army
Political experience: ran for office two times in the Eagan area
Candidate statement: “I would like voters to understand that I have a deep commitment to serving the community. After 29 years of military service, I returned to Minnesota with the drive to continue working for the people. I am focused on bringing fiscal discipline to state government, improving educational outcomes for students, and enhancing public safety. I value accountability, good-sense solutions, and the belief that every taxpayer dollar should be used as effectively as possible. My leadership is rooted in practical experience, dedication, and a passion for making Minnesota a better place for everyone.”
Learn more: willettsforhouse.com
State Representative District 53B
Aaron M. Brooksby, Republican
Education: Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law; bachelor of science in conservation biology from Brigham Young University
Occupation: Real estate attorney
Political experience: Candidate for Minnesota House of Representatives, District 53B; 2023 candidate for Inver Grove Heights School District (ISD 199) School Board
Candidate statement: “I’m running to bring balance back to the Minnesota legislature. As a husband, father and experienced attorney, I believe in fostering fiscal responsibility, protecting individual rights, and prioritizing real solutions that reduce government interference in our daily lives and promote community-driven solutions. I’m dedicated to protecting constitutional rights, supporting education, and fostering a strong local economy.”
Learn more: voteaaronmn.com
Rick Hansen (incumbent), DFL
Education: bachelor’s in biology from Upper Iowa University, master’s in soil management from Iowa State University
Occupation: Small business owner
Political experience: Minnesota House of Representatives (2005-present), Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District Board (1997-2005)
Candidate statement: “As a small business owner, I understand the difficulties that we are facing to make ends meet. The well-off and well-connected always have had access to power. I work for us, not rich corporate special interests. We need a problem-solving approach in the Legislature to tackle the tough issues to improve Minnesotans lives. There is much work to be done. I am asking to work with you and for you in the Minnesota House of Representatives.”
Learn more: votehansen.com
State Representative District 53A
Name: Mary Frances Clardy, DFL (incumbent)
No response
Name: Nathan Herschbach, Republican
No response
Mendota Heights Mayor
Stephanie Levine (incumbent) is running unopposed
Mendota Heights City Council
Name: John Maczko
Occupation: Registered professional civil/traffic engineer (semi-retired)
Education: bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota-Institute of Technology
Political experience: none
Top three priorities: Preserving the City’s character with an emphasis on open and natural areas; increase authentic public engagement; and maintain essential public services in a cost-effective manner.
Candidate statement: “Mendota Heights has developed in a measured way as a welcoming community that values family, safety, and strong financial management focusing on needs, partnerships and preserving our natural environment. Spending has increased significantly in recent years and there are future challenges (Police/City Hall addition, Parks master plan, legislative initiatives challenging local zoning to increase density) that could have significant impacts on Mendota Heights. Through my 35-plus years of experience in government I understand the importance of actively listening to all parties, understanding their concerns, and working toward solutions all can accept to keep our city the gem that it is.”
Learn more: Johnmaczko82@gmail.com
Name: Joel Paper
No response
West St. Paul Mayor
Dave Napier (incumbent) is running unopposed
West St. Paul City Council Ward 1
Name: Doug Fromm
Education: bachelor of science in computer science engineering from Ohio State University
Occupation: Computer software engineer
Political experience: Member of West St. Paul Charter Commission since 2013 (chair 2022-present); 6 years on the West St. Paul Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee; and West St. Paul election judge for 20 years.
Top three priorities: Address affordable housing issues, aging infrastructure issues and rising property taxes, and work to engage underrepresented communities.
Candidate statement: “I am running to use my passion for community service, my experience and leadership skills to serve the residents of Ward 1 by collaborating with other city leaders and constituents to help make West St. Paul a better place for all. If you have any additional questions about my campaign, please reach out.”
Learn more: dougforwsp.com
Name: Andrew Rydlund
Did not respond
West St. Paul City Council ward 3
Name: Lisa Eng-Sarne
Education: Communication and peace studies degrees from the College of Saint Benedict
Occupation: Project manager
Political experience: West St. Paul City Councilmember (2019-present); Minnesota Senate Staff (2006-2012); vice president of the Economic Development Authority; chair of the Smith/Dodd Revitalization Committee; former West St. Paul Public Safety chair; former member of the League of Minnesota Cities Improving Local Economies Committee and the League of Minnesota Cities Cannabis Subcommittee
Top three priorities: Redevelopment that fosters community connections, maintaining high-quality and efficient services, and planned infrastructure and parks improvements.
Candidate statement: “It has been an honor to serve West St. Paul for six years…. We’ve made tremendous progress toward walkability, community public safety, parks improvements, equitable engagement, financial stability, business development, and enhancing our relationships across the city and with external partners. I get excited to think about what’s to come for West St. Paul and I’m optimistic for our future.”
Learn more: lisaforweststpaul.com
Name: Anthony Smith
Did not respond
South St. Paul Mayor
Jimmy Francis (incumbent)
Education: 2-year broadcasting degree from Brown Institute; life/health/property/casualty insurance license from Kaplan University
Occupation: Employee benefits advisor with Assured Partners
Political experience: 8 years as mayor of South St. Paul
Top three priorities: Continued effective and functional government, water protection and infrastructure resilience, and economic development
Candidate statement: “As a lifelong resident, I love South St. Paul and my goal has always been to continue to implement the vision of our council, ensure continuity in ongoing projects, and further improve the community’s quality of life. Remaining as your mayor allows me to strengthen progress, address persistent issues, and maintain leadership stability for the benefit of South St. Paul’s residents. My motto, ‘Forward with Francis’ reflects our journey of progress over the past eight years, showcasing how far we’ve advanced. I am here to serve.”
Learn more: ilovessp.com, 651-321-8348
Mark J. Westpfahl
Education: Master of education, University of Minnesota
Occupation: Social studies teacher
Political experience: 4 years on school board; member of the Minnesota State Capitol Preservation Commission (2022-present)
Top three priorities: Maintain and repair important infrastructure, find a balance between taxes and spending, and lower our incidence of domestic violence and opioid use
Candidate statement: “My vision for the city is ‘Embracing the Past, Envisioning the Future.’ I aim to build a prosperous future while serving our diverse community and showcasing our rich heritage. I bring civic pride, an eagerness to engage multiple perspectives and governmental experience. I hope to make city government a place where all residents come together to enhance our city’s strengths, solve its problems, and build something new. I want the city to be a vibrant, thriving place where people want to live, work and play. I aim to bring more transparency, collaboration and creativity to city government.”
Learn more: markformayorssp.com; 651-246-8574
South St. Paul City Council (elect 3)
Pam Bakken (incumbent)
Education: bachelor’s in history from the University of Minnesota
Occupation: Owner/Operator PB&J Licensed Childcare, LLC
Political experience: South St. Paul councilmember 2021-present
Top three priorities: Infrastructure, economic development, and accessibility throughout town
Candidate statement: “I have served South St. Paul since January 2021. My top three priorities include a continued focus on funding our infrastructure, so we do not have to issue debt to improve our roads, parks, water and sewer. Economic development is the best way to lower the tax burden on our residents. Lastly, with every new project my goal is to make sure accessibility is a priority. From our roads to a new community pool, all our residents should be able live our city’s motto with ease: ‘The best place to live, work and play.’”
Learn more: 651-274-2409, cpbakken@msn.com
Tyler Fehrman
Education: master of public administration from Ohio University Voinivich School of Leadership and Public Affairs
Occupation: works in renewable energy
Political experience: past campaign volunteer, manager, and consultant
Top three priorities: No new taxes, creative funding partnerships, and “people first” city government
Candidate statement: “I am a husband, dad, T-ball coach, and city planning commissioner who believes that South St. Paul’s best days are ahead of us. As the labor-endorsed candidate for city council, I believe that local government should work to ensure that residents are listened to – and that every decision made at City Hall should be one that puts people first – always, and no matter what. South St. Paul needs a new voice and fresh perspective who focuses on making Council accessible and serves as the vehicle for resident voices. That’s who I intend to be as your councilman.”
Learn more: FehrmanForSSP.com, 651-263-1688, tfehrman@gmail.com
Lori Hansen (incumbent)
Education: bachelor of arts in communications from Augsburg College, South St. Paul High School graduate
Occupation: semi-retired auto insurance underwriter
Political experience: South St. Paul City Councilmember 2001-present, Dakota County Planning commissioner, Dakota 911 Board member, former Park & Rec Commission chairperson, River Heights Local Issues member, South St. Paul Economic Development Commissioner, South St. Paul School Board & City Council Core Values Task Force member
Top three priorities: Increase the city’s tax base, seek funding opportunities to update infrastructure, and public safety
Candidate statement: “I believe it’s important to stay involved in the community by maintaining good relationships and seeking out new connections. I attend city functions and gatherings throughout the year to keep myself informed on what the community needs and wants. New ideas are welcomed. I have the experience and dedication to implement those new ideas to generate positive changes. I have the ability to listen to others, work with a wide variety of people and bring them together to get things done. My experience, stability and positive attitude are important assets to keep me as a productive city council member.”
Learn more: 651-249-4701, lorihansenssp@gmail.com
Todd Podgorski (incumbent)
Education: bachelor of arts in political science and a minor in sociology from Winona St. University; associate’s degree, General Studies. A.A.S. Law Enforcement-Inver Hills Community College
Occupation: Peace officer
Top three priorities: Public safety, economic development, and parks and pools
Political experience: South St. Paul School Board member (2003-2006); South St. Paul City Council member 2011-2018, 2021-2024
Candidate statement: “Public service is a calling for me as I’ve felt called to be a peace officer and elected official. Public service can be noble when it’s done with integrity. Five generations of my family have lived in South St. Paul. All three of our children have graduated from South St. Paul High School. As a homeowner, husband, father and peace officer I have a vested interest in helping to ensure South St. Paul is a great place to live, work and play. While my top three priorities are listed above, I am also concerned about taxes, water quality and our school district.”
Learn more: toddpodgorski.com, Todd.Podgorski@comcast.net
South St. Paul School Board (choose three)
The South St. Paul School Board has seven members who are elected to four-year terms, and there is no limit on the number of consecutive terms a member can serve. Three seats are open for this election. Candidates are:
Isaac Contreras
Christian Cruz
Paul Cumings
Ryan Duffy
Mary Dunn
Monica Weber (incumbent)
For candidate profiles and more information, visit sspps.org/newsroom/elections/candidates.
Three questions on the ballot
In St. Paul, two questions will appear on the ballot. The first is, “Should the city levy taxes to provide early learning subsidies?” A yes vote will give the city authority to increase the property tax levy $2 million annually for the next 10 years – a total of $20 million – to offer early childhood care and education for free to low-income families, and discounted to those who meet other income criteria. The second question is, “Changing City Elections to Presidential Election Years.” A yes vote will move city elections to even years, rather than the current model of odd years. Presidential elections take place on even years and some think that would result in higher turnout for votes in local races, while others think national races would overshadow the local ones.
There is one ballot question regarding a statewide constitutional amendment for renewal of the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. It reads: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment, and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?” A yes vote would extend the dedication of revenue from the state-operated lottery to the Environment and Natural Resources Fund through December 31, 2050; increase the amount of money that can be spent from the fund each year from 5.5% to 7% of the fund’s market value; and create a grant program to provide funding for projects related to addressing environmental issues in affected communities, environmental education, and natural resource conservation.
