Elections don’t only impact capitol cities, they also impact every local board, council, and commission in our communities. This year was no different. There will be changes in leadership in a number of important local offices, including a new Mayor of North Mankato. These local leaders touch our lives every day as they manage critical infrastructure, teach our kids, and keep our communities safe.
Below is a breakdown of the results of local races.
City of North Mankato
Mayor
Scott Carlson – 50.65% (3,065)
Ben Kaus – 37.21% (2,245)
Kenneth J. DeWitte – 7.87% (475)
Warren Lee Anderson – 3.83% (231)
Mayor-Elect Scott Carlson replaces Mayor Mark Dehen who has served since 2011.
City of Mankato
Mayor
Najwa Massad* – 69.66% (9,567)
Toby Leonard – 29.94% (4,111)
Mayor Massad was first elected in 2018 and will start her second term in 2023.
City Council
Ward 1
Michael McLaughlin – 58.21% (1,925)
Karen Foreman* – 41.37% (1,368)
Ms. Foreman has served on the city council since 2010. Mr. McLaughlin is a first time council member.
Ward 3
Kevin Mettler – 51.06% (722)
Don Friend – 48.44% (685)
This was an open seat on the council, with no incumbent, as the result of redistricting and the retirement of long-time council member, Mark Frost. Mr. Mettler is a first time council member.
Ward 5
Jessica Hatanpa* – 68.26% (1,460)
Kevin Bores – 31.28% (669)
Mrs. Hatanpa was first elected in 2018, this will be her second term on the city council.
City of Eagle Lake
Mayor
Lisa Norton – 81.17% (871)
Mayor-Elect Norton ran unopposed and will replace Mayor Tim Auringer who returned to the position having been appointed in 2018 and reelected later than after having held the position from 2004 to 2016.
City Council
Garrett Steinberg* – 41.74% (846)
John Whitington* – 26.99% (547)
Richard Garvey – 19.49% (395)
Lashanique Griffin – 11.2% (227)
Blue Earth County
County Board
District 1
Patty O’Connor – 99.07% (3,940) (unopposed)
District 2
Vance Stuehrenberg* – 99.20% (3,099) (unopposed)
District 3
Mark Piepho* – 63.09% (2,210)
Ross Arneson – 36.31% (1,272)
District 4
Kevin Paap* – 97.98% (4,615) (unopposed)
District 5
Kip Bruender* – 99.32% (5,236) (unopposed)
Sheriff
Jeff Wersal – 51.77%
Paul Barta – 47.80%
Sheriff-Elect Wersal will assume office after Sheriff Brad Peterson’s 28 tenure.
County Attorney
Pat McDermott – 98.97% (20,147) (unopposed)
Nicollet County
County Board
District 1
Marie Drantell* – 63.20% (1,752)
Jennifer Andrashko – 36.51% (1,012)
District 2
Terry Morrow* – 67.59% (1,656)
David McGuire – 31.96% (783)
District 3
Jack Kolars* – 98.57% (2,212) (unopposed)
District 4
Mark Dehen – 71.45% (1,814)
Thomas Hagen – 28.28%
Commissioner-Elect Dehen has been Mayor of of the city of North Mankato since 2011.
District 5
John Luepke* – 48.61% (1,716)
Kurt Zins – 51.02% (1,801)
Commissioner Luepke has served on the county board since he was elected 2016.
Sheriff
Dave Lange* – 63.80% (9,064)
Marc Chadderdon – 35.81% (5,087)
County Attorney
Michelle Zehnder Fischer* – 99.84% (12,139) (unopposed)
Mankato Area Public Schools
Four Year Term (top 3)
Patrick Baker* – 17.65% (9,706)
Kari Pratt – 16.44% (9,042)
Shannon Sinning* – 15.13% (8,322)
Jodi Sapp* – 12.05% (6,626)
Brianne Vogt – 11.51% (6,332)
Jamie Aanenson – 10.73% (5,903)
Darren Kern – 9.08% (4,996)
Crystal Wells – 6.97% (3,832)
Current board chair, Jodi Sapp, was not reelected. She has served on the board since 2001.
Two year Term (pick 1)
Kristin (Kristi) Schuck* – 53.62% (11,123)
Joel Hollerich – 34.17% (7,089)
Ernest Neilsen – 11.59% (2,404)
What’s Next?
These local public officials are where the “rubber meets the road.” They are involved in issues that affect our daily lives. They are our neighbors, youth sports coaches, teachers, family, and friends. They also have the awesome responsibility to manage public tax dollars efficiently and effectively. Ensuring greater Mankato is competitive with other regional centers in Minnesota and the upper Midwest is critical for the future growth of our region. GMG will also work closely with these local officials to ensure that we are sharing our story with one voice and promoting our regional marketplace: our regional economic prosperity and activities do not stop at jurisdictional boundaries.
The team at Greater Mankato Growth looks forward to working with these leaders and representing the business community as they discuss budgets, policies, and initiatives. The success of our regional economy relies on competent, thoughtful, and bold leadership.
Congratulations to everyone who prevailed this election cycle. But a special nod of appreciation to all the candidates who raised their hands and ran for office, especially those who did not prevail. The success of our community relies on folks like you who stepped up, offering your time and energy to lead our community towards a future we can all be proud of. Thank you.
As always, if you have questions or comments, please reach out to Andy Wilke, Director of Business Development and Public Affairs.
Greater Mankato Growth Blog 