BEMIDJI — First-term state lawmaker Bidal Duran announced he will run for reelection this year.
Duran, a Republican from Bemidji, serves District 2A, which includes portions of Beltrami and Clearwater counties and all of Lake of the Woods County.
A combat veteran and former law enforcement officer, Duran stated he is committed to focusing on outcomes rather than partisan conflict.
“I’m committed to working with anyone who shares the goal of strengthening our communities, regardless of political differences,” Duran stated. “Serving people comes first. Political drama doesn’t fix problems.”
During his time in the Legislature, Duran has focused on public safety, veterans and military affairs, fiscal responsibility, protecting local control and education, a news release stated.
““The people closest to the classroom understand what’s working and what isn’t,” he stated. “I will continue working with educators and local school leaders to pursue practical improvements that help students succeed and support the professionals who serve them every day.”
Reed Olson, who ran against Duran as the DFL candidate in 2024, announced late last year he will run for the seat again. No other candidates have announced their intentions to run as of Thursday.
-
The unprecedented federal incursion brought 1000s of immigration officers to MN over the objections of local Democratic leaders, and led to massive protests and two deaths.
-
Plus: St. Louis County seeks resident input on updates to its hazard mitigation plan; and United Way of 1000 Lakes is accepting Volunteer of the Year nominations.
-
The Volunteer of the Year will be honored during United Way’s Community Celebration on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids.
-
Minnesotans Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin are the first Americans to medal in the event, and Thiesse is the first American woman to ever medal in Olympic curling.
-
Recent court decisions have given the Trump administration room to carry out its controversial actions, but legal experts point to ICE consistently ignoring release orders, drawing admonishment from judges.
-
The Bemidji Planning Commission, a largely citizen body, passed off the interim use permit to the board without recommendations after months of discussion. It passed Feb. 9, 2026, on a 5-1 vote.
-
Igo was first elected in 2020. He represents the eastern Iron Range, northern Aitkin County and the St. Louis County cities of Hibbing and Floodwood.
-
And: Republican Dr. Scott Jensen suspends his campaign for governor to run for state auditor; Rep. Spencer Igo is running for reelection; the Public Utilities Commission delays transmission line meetings; and ICE being watched for sharing health information.
-
The Polk County Sheriff's Office said 7-year-old K-9 Rex recently became very ill and had failing kidneys.
-
Counties are required to update hazard mitigation plans every five years to maintain eligibility for FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.