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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Lorie Shaull/KAXEExtreme fire conditions caused some of the 17 wildfires burning in the Superior National Forest to rapidly spread July 13-14, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEThe library matched the anonymous matching donation for $30,000 it received in June 2026. A larger fundraising goal is aimed at increasing public hours in 2027. -
Contributed/University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering CenterDue to smoke from Boundary Waters wildfires, the MPCA issued air quality alerts for large parts of Minnesota. The alert lasts until at least Friday, July 16, 2026. -
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Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXESevere drought is present in at least 11% of Minnesota and another 18% is in moderate drought. The drought conditions are mostly seen in Northern Minnesota. -
Contributed/RDNE Stock project via PexelsPrairie Pines Childcare Center, the Northland Foundation and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation were awarded grants from the state Department of Employment and Economic Development. -
Even with green plants and recent rainfall, large portions of the Northland are classified as in moderate or severe drought.
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And: Four Northland organizations recieve child care grants; men encouraged to wear sunscreen and get skin checks; and Eveleth plans to replace the "Big Stick."
