KAXE contacted every candidate 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.
Mayor
Tom Goldsmith
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Robert W. Marvin
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
City Council (Elect Two)
Dean Dorholt
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 61
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Self Employed (Real Estate Appraiser)
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have been a business owner in the city of Warroad for 36 years. Have served on Warroad's Chamber of Commerce Board. Have volunteered for multiple community events over the last 36 years. A proven leader within the community.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Provide leadership in the continued growth of Warroad.
Why are you running for office?
Community service and provide leadership in the continued growth of Warroad.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
I do not have an agenda or a specific goal.
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?
Affordable housing is always an issue for continued growth. The city of Warroad has taken measures to address this issue. I believe my experience of over 20 years as a real estate appraiser would be beneficial in this area and provide insight of what current potential homeowners are looking for.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
No comment
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.
As a business owner, the use of monies and staying within a budget is very important in the progress of the community.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
Being open to questions and ideas. Honesty
Doug Thomasson
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Michele Vandal
Incumbent: Yes
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.
-
MusicTwo thirds of the group, Levi Henry and Nick Novotny, joined "Headwaters" on June 6, 2025.
-
Plus: The Minnesota Department of Transportation is accepting comments on bike infrastructure.
-
Early reports indicate most of the damage was in the Merrifield area. Tornado sightings were also reported near Casino, Lake Shore and Nisswa, which may be the same twister.