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.
Mark Froehle and Jesse Zahn are the current council members whose seats are up for election. Zahn is running for reelection, while Froehle is not.
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 Jennifer Carnahan, who is 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
Incumbent
Age on Election Day: 49
Employment: Small Business Owner - two retail stores in Downtown Nisswa, former Fortune 500 Marketing Executive
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree from Syracuse University and a Masters of Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management and the University of Minnesota. I have nearly 30 years experience in the private sector - climbing the ladder in Fortune 500 corporate America in marketing, strategy and general management for companies including: McDonald's Corporation, General Mills and Ecolab. I bring experience as a small business owner, where I have founded and operated retail stores since 2014. I've been a community leader for nearly three decades and served as the first female and minority to run the Republican Party of Minnesota (2017-2021). I have served as mayor since 2024, and I’ve also served on local boards and community organizations, giving me experience leading, managing budgets, working with people and getting things done.
Why are you running?
I’m running because I love Nisswa and believe in its future. I want to keep taxes and spending under control, ensure responsible growth that protects our small-town character, and maintain the core services our residents rely on.
I believe government should be accountable, transparent and responsible with taxpayer dollars. Residents—not special interests or personal connections—should have a voice in the decisions that shape our community.
We need to cut the bloat out of local government, reject decisions driven by special interests, and operate our city with fiscal responsibility, transparency and integrity. Government should never be about who is most popular, who has the right connections, or who can strong arm others into getting their way.
Why should voters elect you?
Voters should re-elect me because I have a proven record of delivering results and following through on my campaign promises from two years ago. I helped deliver a 2026 budget with no increase in the city tax levy, opposed increasing the local sales tax, and brought greater transparency and accountability to city government through regular town halls and resident listening sessions. I’m an independent voice who puts residents first—not special interests, personal connections or a select group of people. I will continue asking tough questions, protecting taxpayer dollars and making decisions based on what is best for Nisswa’s future. I ran for mayor to serve this community, not to personally benefit from the position.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The Mayor’s responsibility is to serve as a voice for the residents, provide leadership to the City Council, and ensure city government operates responsibly, transparently and with integrity. The Mayor should help set priorities, protect taxpayer dollars, maintain essential services, support responsible growth, and ensure residents have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their community. Above all, the Mayor should lead with honesty, independence and accountability—not personal interests or personal relationships.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
My late husband, Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01). He served from 2019-2022 when he passed away from advanced kidney cancer. He always led with integrity and ethics and stood by his values no matter what.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Fiscal Responsibility – Our community is being taxed too often and too much. Government does not need to take more money from hard-working people.
Responsible Growth – As Nisswa grows, we must protect our small-town charm and avoid becoming another suburb.
Maintaining Core Services – Ensure we maintain services.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
Fiscal responsibility - and I already did by delivering a negative tax levy for 2026.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
We don't have space for data centers in Nisswa and this is not on our radar at this point in time.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
We need to look at all departments and find places to make cuts. No department is immune from fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency and doing their part to ensure the city stays on track, but not at the expense of the taxpayers. The first answer should never be "raise taxes." That should never be the answer.
Age on Election Day: 43
Employment: Schaefers foods co-president
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I am a longtime Nisswa resident, local business owner, and active member of the community. My experience running a business, working with residents and other local businesses, and navigating issues that affect Nisswa has given me a practical understanding of how decisions made at City Hall impact the people who live, work, and invest here.
Why are you running?
I’m running for Mayor because I care deeply about Nisswa and the people who make this community what it is. I want to help preserve the character and small town feel that make Nisswa special, while making thoughtful decisions about its future. I believe good local government starts with listening, being accessible, and working together to find practical solutions that serve the entire community.
Why should voters elect you?
What sets me apart is the perspective I bring as a longtime member of the community and local business owner. I understand both the opportunities and challenges that come with living, working, and doing business in Nisswa. I’m not interested in politics for the sake of politics. I want to listen, bring people together, ask good questions, and make thoughtful decisions based on what is best for Nisswa.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Civic and Community Representation: Chief Intergovernmental Representative public relations
Fiscal and Operations Oversight: Budget management
Legislative and Presiding Officer: Chairing council meetings
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Abraham Lincoln
I admire him because of his inspiring personal journey, his moral leadership during a national crisis, and his role in shaping modern freedom
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Managing growth while preserving Nisswa’s character
Fiscal responsibility and setting the right priorities
Communication, trust, and community involvement
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
Communication, trust, and community involvement. Residents should feel informed, heard, and welcome to participate in decisions that affect Nisswa. Strong local government requires translucency, respectful dialogue, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives before decisions are made. My plan is to not have any secrets from the community and be able to openly discuss issues at hand.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
zoning regulations is the best and easiest way to regulate data centers
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
I feel that the city is currently overspending on "experts" opinions on a lot of projects that i feel are unnecessary.
Age on Election Day: 59
Employment: Recently Retired
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
Bachelor's degree as a Medical Laboratory Scientist complemented with an MBA. Recently served as COO for a national mental health organization with over 30 years in leadership roles.
Why are you running?
Building our pole shed gave me firsthand experience with the Planning & Zoning process. After attending many Planning and Zoning meetings, along with City Council meetings, I believe we can do better. Local government should be efficient, transparent and responsive to the people it serves. I'm running to help restore confidence in our local government and ensure Nisswa remains the kind of community we're proud to call home.
Why should voters elect you?
I have a proven track record of collaborating, communicating and building relationships. I bring decades of executive leadership, operational excellence and a commitment to transparent, fiscally responsible local government.
My priorities are:
1. Restoring public trust
2. Exercising fiscal discipline
3. Improving transparency
4. Streamlining city processes
5. Ensuring decisions reflect the best interests of Nisswa residents
I've had a career of servant leadership and feel called to support the positive momentum created under Mayor Jennifer Carnahan and work side by side with my fellow council members to lead Nisswa forward while maintaining the unique qualities of our city.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The roles and responsibilities include preparing, attending and participating in city council meetings; serving as a liaison to city committees; listening to, understanding and representing the voice of the Nisswa residents and business owners. Council members must play an active role in understanding the issues from multiple angles and exercising personal accountability to ensure they're actions and ultimately, their vote on issues before the council, is not biased or based upon self serving interests.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Given there is no single person who is flawless and leads perfectly, I find it best to describe the traits that I admire in a public leader. Humility is key. We need representation from public leaders who can articulate their position, while being comfortable in the gray. Leaders must work to understand the issues and the consequences of their decisions. It is important for decision makers to be aware of their blind spots and where they may need input/guidance from others.
We need public leaders who can recognize and admit when they are wrong. Leaders who treat people with respect, especially those with differing views, are the leaders I admire most. Self awareness and emotional intelligence are helpful qualities to foster collaboration which in turn builds respect and trust.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Our aging infrastructure, the use and development of the land purchase on Hwy 371 and restoring public trust.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
The three issues I've noted are closely related such that I believe progress can be made on all three. The recent formation of the Economic Development Authority (EDA), will play a major role in assessing, prioritizing and making recommendations to the City Council as to how Nisswa can thoughtfully progress into the future. It will be important for data to be gathered and key performance indicators (KPI's) established to ensure we achieve quality outcomes. Applying data driven decision making with KPI's will help objectively measure our success. This data will also inform when and if we need to strategically pivot/tweak or abandon ideas.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
This is an area where I would like more information. It is important to separate facts from fear. I would need to learn more from the subject matter experts before weighing in or taking a stance. As I've observed other cities wrestle with this issue, I appreciate the varying opinions and feel our residents would have and want to provide input on this topic.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
I prefer a process where initiatives are objectively prioritized based upon weighted criteria (with factors such as compliance/safety receiving a higher weight than items that are "nice to have".) This process must take into consideration the opportunity costs associated with delaying the expense or foregoing the expense altogether. There is also a great deal we can learn from other cities in our region who have wrestled with the same or very similar situations. Collectively we can all benefit as we share best practices and lessons learned.
Age on Election Day: 59
Employment: TE Connectivity, SUPV R&D/Product DVL Engineer
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
Ran a business for my dad for 11 years, Quartermaster of VFW for 3 years, Managed people for most of my career that has provided me with knowledge and experience of keeping a balance between people and business.
Why are you running?
To help realign the city council with the people needs and the needs of the local businesses.
Why should voters elect you?
I will be new to the city council that will provide fresh energy and I am a Nisswa resident that feels the impact of the decisions of our city council.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
To represent the people and the local businesses in their best interest.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Jennifer Carnahan, Persistent, Resilient and Tenacious.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
High taxation 3 of the last 4 years. The need to consider residents best interest. The need to have structured planning when making decisions.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
The need to consider residents best interest. Engage the community with city government through town halls etc.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
Engage the community and gain an understanding of what the benefits and disadvantages are prior to making a decision on supporting or opposing data centers.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
This is a process of evaluating the revenue and expenditures. I would look for opportunities in the current expenditures to avoid raising taxes.
Age on Election Day: 63
Employment: Grand View Lodge Grounds Department
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
30 years of public service as a law enforcement officer, 8 years of service on Nisswa city council including four as mayor
Why are you running?
I want to bring the experience I have back to the council to get the city heading in the right direction. We need to maintain our future planning progress which has stalled. When I served on the council we all worked together in a cooperative manner. I want to bring constructive discussion and the willingness to listen to all opinions in a polite and professional manner to the council.
Why should voters elect you?
I bring common sense, experience, willingness to listen, honesty and no agendas to the table. I am tired of the negativity in public service we see everywhere. I wont stand for it.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
City council members have a responsibility to listen to all citizens and to answer their questions. It is incumbent upon council members to explain all options to voters and why the actions taken were in the best interest of the community. Ultimately the council must take feed back from voters, staff, and committees then make the best decision for the tax payers
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
General George S. Patton Jr. He was decisive, saw the bigger picture and let his people do their jobs. He also held them accountable.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Positive and accountable leadership
Practical planning and zoning reform
Responsible growth and economic development
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
Practical planning and zoning reform:
We have the tools to address this issue already in place we need to use those tools to do so. The newly formed economic development authority (EDA) and the planning and zoning commission both have roles to play in addressing ordinance issues. I would make it a council priority to task these entity's in identifying the problems as laid out by staff and citizens. They would be tasked to come up with solutions and timelines to make the appropriate changes. This will not be a easy task and we need to take the time to get it right. I believe that with proper council direction we can address issues in a timely manner that will serve the city as the citizens wish.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
I would need to educate myself better on the subject of data centers before making any decision. Technologies like AI are here to stay and have many positive attributes. However, like so many things, are subject to misuse. A data center may bring jobs to a community but what other infrastructure needs will it require? Do citizens want that kind of industry in our community?
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
This question was asked every year when I was on the council. My question to the community was " what services do you want to do without". I never received an answer. If cuts have to be made I'll be very clear everything gets looked at. I will also say that the government's primary duty is to the safety of the citizens it serves. I believe the first thing the council will have to do is look at services that may be done by other entities such as the county. Another avenue I would explore is services that could be shared with neighboring communities. As things get tighter we need to think outside the box.
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.
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