KAXE contacted every candidate in a contested race twice using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office to invite them to participate in our Election Guide.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published as submitted.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics, though responses have not been uniformly fact-checked. With our small team of three, we are unable to proactively fact check every statement made by candidates. But 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 only includes candidates in contested races. Visit our full list of who's running for office in Northern Minnesota to see who else is on the ballot.
District 3
Karen Goodenough
Incumbent:
No
Age on Election Day:
47
City/Township of residence:
Bull Moose Township
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
I am Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers - Minnesota Chapter. In this role I manage and oversee all operations of the Chapter including administrative, financial, human resources, communications and marketing, and all events and policy initiatives.
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I’ve built my career around a life of service—helping others and championing thoughtful, fiscally responsible policies—and I would be honored to bring those values to serve our community. I am a social worker, non-profit executive director, registered lobbyist, and adjunct professor. I lead the development and implementation of an extensive legislative agenda, write and edit position statements, analyze and advise on agency policy and legislative language and strategy, and represent social workers in National interstate compact development. I’m also deeply invested in the well-being of Cass County. I proudly serve on the Cass County Health, Human and Veterans Services Advisory Committee, the Pine River-Backus Family Center Board, and as a volunteer cheer coach at PRB High School. These roles, combined with my commitment to this community, have prepared me to advocate for our future with passion and purpose.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
County Commissioners play a pivotal role in local government, overseeing key administrative, policy, and financial duties to ensure essential public services are delivered across the county. I value that for nearly 50 years, Minnesota has kept these positions non-partisan, allowing us to serve all residents of Cass County without political agendas or divisiveness. This structure enables us to focus on what truly matters—working together to meet the needs of our community.
Why are you running for office?
As a proud and active member of this community, I’m ready to serve Cass County with passion and purpose. I’m dedicated to preserving our precious natural resources, strengthening our infrastructure, and making smart, forward-thinking investments that keep our taxes low. I want to uphold and enhance our legacy as an exceptional place to live, visit, and raise a family, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
Through my deep involvement in the community, door-knocking, and engaging in meaningful conversations with local leaders and residents—I’ve pinpointed three critical issues facing our county: 1) Investing in infrastructure and driving sustainable progress without raising taxes; 2) Safeguarding our natural resources while supporting vital services like childcare, education, public safety, housing, and healthcare to help local businesses attract and retain top talent; and 3) Addressing the urgent shortage of local mental health and chemical dependency services. These are challenges we can solve together, with smart solutions that strengthen our community.
Across the region, renters and owners are struggling to afford housing. If elected, what would you do to address the issues of availability and affordability for your constituents?
Housing availability and affordability are critical issues that affect every corner of our community—from residents struggling to find homes, to businesses trying to recruit workers, to schools in need of teachers. It even impacts the taxes we all pay. As your county commissioner, I will champion common-sense policies that build a stronger, more vibrant community through smart investments and meaningful partnerships. By collaborating with local businesses, the Cass County Economic Development Corporation, and leveraging state and private grants, we can create real solutions that benefit every resident of Cass County. Together, we can make housing work for everyone.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your county now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
As your County Commissioner, I’m committed to safeguarding our water and natural resources through responsible timber sales and tackling the devastating impact of Emerald Ash Borer on our forests. With the largest stretch of ash forest in North America right in our backyard, we must invest in climate-resistant trees and pollinators to secure our future. But we won’t stop there—by embracing community-driven solutions like gardens and farmers markets, we’ll bolster our resilience against climate change. And we’re not in this fight alone—let’s tap into the $10 million from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to fund community projects that make a real difference. Together, we can lead the way in protecting what makes Cass County special.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
Cass County Commissioners are instrumental in shaping a portion of your annual tax bill, working hand-in-hand with county departments and the Citizens Budget Committee to craft a budget that balances the needs of both the county and its residents. As your county commissioner, I will focus on keeping taxes low while making smart investments in long-term sustainability. My commitment is to manage our financial and natural resources with care, ensuring we navigate these challenging times responsibly and with foresight for future generations.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
Transparency starts with being accessible and genuinely connecting with the people of our community. I’ve taken the time to introduce myself by door-knocking, attending neighborhood meet-and-greets, participating in parades, and engaging at community events—ensuring that the residents of District 3 have a chance to meet me and voice what matters most to them. When elected, I will keep that door wide open, fostering constant communication and trust between myself and our community. I am committed to serving you, listening to your concerns, and working tirelessly on your behalf.
Rusty Lilyquist
Incumbent:
I was elected to board prior..
Age on Election Day:
55
City/Township of residence:
Trelipe TWP
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Yes Real Estate Broker
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
2 terms as District 3 County Commissioner, Chairman of the IDS 118 School Board, 1st Vice Chairman of Congressional District 8, Vice President Lakes and Pines NWTF. President Longville Sportsmans Club.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Policy and Budget setting for the County
Why are you running for office?
To passionately represent the voters
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
Keep Cass County going strong and keep our county as a place people want to live and visit.
Across the region, renters and owners are struggling to afford housing. If elected, what would you do to address the issues of availability and affordability for your constituents?
Work with Cass County Economic Development, to better serve the call for housing
From our audience: What effective policies will you support that will prepare your county now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
County Timber Management
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively?
Stay away from a 'Tax and Spend" policy
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
Keep everything in the open for the voters
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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