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.
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Plus: Townships across Minnesota will host their annual meetings on March 10, 2026; the DNR is seeking input on proposed changes to Itasca State Park; and the Superior National Forest will host a Tofte Ranger District open house on March 12. -
Contributed/Lorie Shaull via FlickrForest staff will share information on upcoming road and trail construction, prescribed fire activities and recreation projects. -
Contributed/MN DNRThe DNR is proposing two sets of changes in Itasca State Park to expand overnight camping and winter recreation, as well as protect Lake Itasca's shoreline. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce's annual trip to St. Paul on March 5, 2026, included many first-time visitors who advocated on local issues. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBeltrami County Emergency Management is seeking public input as it works to update its hazard mitigation plan for events like floods, drought and severe windstorms. -
Contributed/MN DNRPatrick McGowan joined four other conservation officers who were honored at a late February 2026 ceremony at Camp Ripley. -
News Director Chelsey Perkins catches up on what's happening in St. Paul with Report for Minnesota student journalists Abbey Mulcahy, Kendra Mobilia, Shay Scanlan and Eleanor Steffen.
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Lorie Shaull/KAXENoska was nominated for North Star Student because of her amazing tennis career — and the fact she's got one more season of fun and achievement ahead of her. -
Plus: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources awards Cass Lake conservation officer as 2025 officer of the year; and the high school boys hockey tourney is underway.
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Contributed/Park Rapids Police DepartmentIn a March 5, 2026, update, owner Molly Luther wrote that authorities determined the phone call came from outside the community and there was no ongoing threat.
