2026 Midterm Election
Vote early or by mail Starting September 18th
Vote on Election Day November 3rd
Kanabec County Democratic Candidates
Tara Killen
MN Senate District 10
Minnesota’s 10th District deserves leadership that listens, learns, and lights the way forward. I’m Tara Killen – citizen, coach, and advocate for a more inspired kind of politics. This campaign is about renewal – restoring integrity, compassion, and common sense to public service. It’s about helping our communities build the kind of future they’d love to live in, together. Our founders believed in government by and for the people. I believe in that too. Not as a slogan, but as a sacred trust. It’s time for a new day in District 10 – one guided by purpose, not partisanship; vision, not ambition.
Mary Carlson
MN Senate District 11
Mary Carlson is a current Wrenshall School Board member and a local small-business owner, she has spent her career finding common ground in challenging moments. Her leadership style is rooted in a "solutions-first" mindset, which helped her lead the Wrenshall District through its long consolidation effort and work across the aisle at the Minnesota Capitol in 2025 to secure increased aid for our schools.
Mary is running for the Senate because she believes in leading with joy, listening well, and working hard to build a Minnesota where our schools are strong, our economy is thriving, and our communities are safe for everyone.
Melissa Maerten
MN House District 10A
This campaign isn’t about politics as usual—it’s about people stepping up, getting involved, and working together to solve the challenges we face every day. It is about neighbors coming together to strengthen our community, support local businesses, and build a more stable future. Learn more about how we can move forward—together.
From small businesses to our schools and healthcare, this campaign is focused on the issues that matter most to our community. Stronger communities start with us.
We CAN come together to get important things done. Learn how this campaign is focused on common ground and real progress. See what we can accomplish together!
Jeff Larson
MN House 10B
I am your neighbor first. I am ready to listen and lead in St. Paul. I have been a business owner, a non-profit leader and served 3 terms on the Milaca School Board. I know how to get things done. I have lived in Milaca with my wife Linda for 30 years. We raised our two daughters here and love our life here on the banks of the Rum River.
District 10B has been neglected in St. Paul. It's time to focus on improving life in our communities by focusing on making it more affordable, revitalizing our rural economy, fixing the broken healthcare system and strengthening our rural schools. I will fight to make sure people living and working in Mille Lacs, Isanti, Kanabec, Benton and Morrison counties have the quality rural lives they are working for!
Jack L’Heureux
MN House 11B
My father was the proud union steward for the Papermaker’s in International Falls. It was a time when one income could support a family. My parents and we five children enjoyed many outdoor activities. Carrying on that legacy, my wife and I have also instilled in our four children an appreciation for the natural wonders of our beautiful state. I deeply appreciate Minnesota’s commitment to preserving its natural assets for future generations to enjoy.
For most of my career, I have been CEO at a long-term care facility in Mora. Thus, I have spent years dealing with legislators, regulations, oversight, and most important, the needs of senior citizens and their caregivers.
As Executive Director of Mora’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority, I am well aware of the urgent need for affordable and safe housing, especially in rural areas. I have since retired, but I am still an active member of their board. This has strengthened my commitment to improving access to all housing, but more specifically affordable housing.
Trina Swanson
U.S. Representative District 8
Trina Swanson is running for Congress to protect the future of northern and central Minnesota — and the people who call it home.
She understands what’s at stake. Minnesotans are working hard, but rising costs, economic uncertainty, and decisions made far from here are making it harder to build a stable life in the communities they love.
Trina believes District 8 deserves leadership focused on affordability, stability, and strong local communities — so the next generation can live, work, and thrive right here at home.
She’s running to bring practical, steady leadership that puts northern and central Minnesota first.