The first local special election of the year was Feb. 10, and two northwest Minnesota counties hosted special elections to fill vacancies on their county boards of commissioners.
Robert Durant will now represent Mahnomen County District 1, which is the city of Mahnomen’s district. He garnered 46 votes compared to his opponent, Brian Ose, with 40 votes. Julie Hanson earned all 19 of the special election’s write-in results.
Ross Pape was sworn in Tuesday, Feb. 17, after being successful in the Polk County special election for Commissioner District 5. The district includes wards in East Grand Forks and surrounding townships. Pape garnered 321 votes compared to his opponent, Brad Grunhovd, who received 79 votes.
Most special elections can only occur on specific dates, per state statute. For 2026 those dates are:
- Feb. 10
- April 14
- May 12
- Aug. 11
The next special elections in Northern Minnesota are April 14, when the Aitkin and Staples-Motley school districts will ask voters to approve building projects.
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Screenshot/Minnesota House Information ServicesA bill introduced by Rep. Josh Heintzeman would require the DNR to grant an easement that would allow June Lake LLC to access its landlocked parcels to build rental cabins. -
Contributed/C-SPANAs the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on reversing a 2023 mining ban in the Superior National Forest, Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith spoke on the Senate floor April 14, 2026. -
The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority awarded five Northern Minnesota communities with loans and grants for projects like water main installation and wastewater infrastructure. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEEly joins the wave of Northern Minnesota school districts trying out a four-day week to address budget constraints. The Rock Ridge School Board didn't rule out making the move in the future.
