KAXE contacted each candidate at least twice to invite them to participate in our Election Guide, using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published exactly as submitted, including typos and formatting.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics. We will make every effort to make note of inaccuracies if they come to our attention.
Please contact our news team at news@kaxe.org with questions or comments or to report any errors.
KAXE's Election Guide includes contested races in communities with at least 100 people. Visit our full list of who's running for office in Northern Minnesota to see who else will be on the ballot in November.
About these races
The city council is responsible for governing the city, including overseeing administrators, approving a budget and passing city ordinances. Councilors do not have any individual authority and can only exercise power as part of the council.
Steven Theis Jr. and Elizabeth Weigel are the two current council members whose seats are up for election. Weigel was appointed to the council and is running to be elected. Theis is running for reelection.
The winners of the election will begin their four-year terms in January.
The mayor has no more voting power than a city councilor. Additional duties include presiding over city council meetings and acting as the ceremonial head of the city, often representing the city before the Legislature and in other official capacities.
The current mayor is Dylan Hancharyk, who is not running for reelection.
The winner of the election will begin their two-year term in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
Age on Election Day: 31
Employment: Minnesota Department of Transportation, Civil Engineer
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
Baudette City Council 2021-2026
Why are you running?
I’m running for Mayor because I believe in Baudette and I want to continue investing my time, energy, and leadership into the place I’m proud to call home.
Over the past five years I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in many projects and efforts that have helped move our community forward. I want to continue being a part of that progress while establishing a strong, collaborative foundation for our City Council.
My goal is to lead with intention, listen to our residents and businesses, and make decisions that put the long-term strength of Baudette first. I want to support our community, protect what makes Baudette special, and continue creating opportunities that make our city a place where people want to live, work, raise a family, visit, and invest.
Why should voters elect you?
Baudette needs strategic, intentional, collaborative, and forward-thinking leadership and I would bring that approach to the Mayor’s position. We face real challenges, from rising costs and limited resources to maintaining aging infrastructure, while also needing to identify opportunities for growth and prosperity. I believe we can do both.
Projects like the Splash Pad and events like the Fourth of July show what is possible when we invest in our community, create opportunities to gather, and give residents and visitors something to be proud of. I want to continue pursuing those opportunities while addressing our city’s fundamental needs.
I would bring fresh perspective, strong leadership, business experience, and genuine commitment to Baudette. Most importantly, I’m invested in our future and want to help our City Council work together, make thoughtful decisions, and be a part of what’s Best for Baudette.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Provide the most opportunity for the residents of Baudette with the resources we are allocated.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
No comment
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Rising costs, aging infrastructure, limited economic growth opportunities
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
Increased costs: by establishing partnerships and having a comprehensive plan
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
No comment
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
A general audit of all expenses in times like these is important. Accepting existing budgets as the norm can create unneeded spending.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Incumbent
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Incumbent
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Still have questions for the candidates? Contact information for all those who've filed to run for office can be found at candidates.sos.state.mn.us.
-
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe Mesabi Metallics plant, which will source iron from the company's mine in Nashwauk, may begin producing steel as early as 2030. -
Malachy Koons/ContributedThe KAXE Music Team on new releases from The Mary Wallopers, Humbird, Leon Bridges, Julia Jacklin, Jake Bugg, Kelley Smith, and Kings of Leon and Petty's debut as our Pick Of '76. -
Contributed/Book covers—publisher websites; Tracy KampaChildren's librarian Tracy Kampa reviews new books by Sophie Blackall, Chelsea Lin Wallace, Steve Sheinkin and Meaghan McIsaac. -
The retired DNR forester gave a walking tour of his forest property as part of a Cass Soil and Water Conservation District forest management event.
