BEMIDJI — Reed Olson of Bemidji announced he will run for office again in 2026.
The executive director of the Nameless Coalition for the Homeless and former Beltrami County commissioner posted a video on social media, saying he will seek to represent District 2A.
"A lot of us are feeling the squeeze," Olson said in the video. "Almost every family in north-central Minnesota is feeling pressure, either from the rising cost of housing, the insane increase in insurance premiums that so many of us are facing, or just a struggle for you or your family to access mental health care or child care."
The race could be a rematch between Olson, 50, a DFLer, and state Rep. Bidal Duran, 40, a Republican, if Duran announces his own reelection bid.
The two faced off for the open seat in 2024 after the retirement of former Republican Rep. Matt Grossell.
While Duran was victorious, the race represented one of the smallest margins of victory for a Republican in a state house race in northern Minnesota. Duran garnered 51.7% of the vote, while Olson came up just short of 48%.
Olson said he believes affordability is more than just a buzz word.
"It’s time to put affordability and access to quality care at the center of the work that we do," he said.
The 2026 election will see all Minnesota House seats on the ballot.
-
Plus: A new conservation easement protects more than 900 acres on North Shore; Cohasset to host comprehensive plan meeting; and more Northland HS sports results. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEHarper is accused of resisting arrest by Deputy Michael Cowan on May 4, 2026 as deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant in Max, in rural northwestern Itasca County. -
Contributed/Rock Ridge Public Schools via FacebookIt was the team's sixth-straight state tournament. Singles and duos from Rock Ridge and other rural Northland schools also hit the courts in tourney action. -
Contributed/PexelsSix rural Northland teams competed in state softball tournament in Mankato on June 2-5, 2026. The Barnum girls were consolation runners-up. -
Contributed/Kirk Erickson via Darrin SmedsmoThe dispute drew the attention of international media and pilots' associations, raising concerns about the rights of distressed pilots while making emergency landings. -
Plus: the Rock Ridge boys' tennis team took fourth at state and many Northland golfers will head to state next week after qualifying.
-
Contributed/Nicole Neri | Minnesota ReformerA Detroit Lakes food co-op and independent food stores like it show a resilient rural Minnesota. -
Contributed/briandjan607 via FlickrThe Emergency Forest Order will be in effect in all areas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness beginning at midnight on June 6, 2026. -
Lorie ShaullThe five-month process reviewed Medicaid providers in 13 service areas in all 87 counties, with more than 3,400 providers disenrolled by the state's Department of Human Services. -
Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionFollowing high-profile fraud cases, Minnesota will join other states in overhauling systems to comply with stricter Medicaid work requirements.
