Establishing Our Future Leadership

City of Northern Incorporation Election Process and Key Dates

The November 3, 2026 election will establish the first elected Mayor and City Council for the City of Northern.

NORTHERN’S FIRST CITY ELECTION

City of Northern’s First Election: Unofficial Results — November 3, 2026

November 3, 2026 marks an important milestone for our community: the first election for the City of Northern’s mayor and city council.

Thank you to our voters, candidates, election judges, and staff for participating in this historic election.

All results below are unofficial and subject to canvassing.

Results updated: Tuesday, November 03, 2026, 11:14 pm
Reporting status: All results are in

Unofficial Election Results

Mayor (one seat)

Jess Frenzel— 1,525 votes

City Council (two-year term, two seats)

Gary Barnard — 1,181 votes

Micheal Kelly — 1,235 votes

City Council (four-year term, two seats)

Drew Hildenbrand — 822 votes

Kenneth Glidden — 619 votes

Drew Hildenbrand - 822 votes

Ken Glidden - 619 votes

Curt Blumhagen - 509 votes

Brian Giauque - 349 votes

Deena Monk-Kobow - 298 votes

Ryan Grow - 287 votes

Voter Participation

Total ballots cast: 1,897

What Happens Next?

Canvassing is scheduled for the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Monday, November 9th. Official results will be posted after the canvass is completed.

The newly elected City Council is expected to be sworn into office on Monday, November 23, 2026, marking the official incorporation of the City of Northern.

Thank you for helping shape Northern’s future.

Key Election Dates

July 14, 2026

Candidate Filing Opens

Residents may begin filing for
Mayor or City Council.

July 28, 2026

Candidate Filing Closes

Filing period closes at 5:00 p.m.

 

November 3, 2026

Election Day

Polls open at Northern Town Hall
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Candidate Filing Information

Residents interested in running for Mayor or City Council may file an Affidavit of Candidacy with the Northern Township Clerk during the official filing period.

Make sure you meet the qualifications before filing for office. Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's website to find out more about becoming a candidate.

Candidate Filing Opens: July 14, 2026

Candidate Filing Closes: July 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Offices to be Elected:

All Mayor and City Council positions are elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire city rather than separate wards or districts.

Mayor (1 seat)

  • Term ends: January 1, 2029.

City Council (4 at-large seats)

  • Two seats will serve terms ending January 1, 2029
  • Two seats will serve terms ending January 6, 2031.

Filing Location:
Northern Town Hall
445 Town Hall Road NW
Northern Township, MN

Required Form:
Affidavit of Candidacy

Candidates Who Have Filed Their Applications

Mayor

(TOP VOTE GETTER)
  • Jess Frenzel

2 Year Council Seat

(TOP 2 VOTE GETTERS)
  • Micheal Kelly
  • Gary Barnard

4 Year Council Seat

(TOP 2 VOTE GETTERS)
  • Curt Blumhagen
  • Brian Giauque
  • Deena Monk-Kobow
  • Drew Hildenbrand
  • Ryan Grow
  • Ken Glidden

Election Day

Election Date

November 3, 2026

 

Polling Location

Northern Town Hall

445 Town Hall Rd NW

Voting Hours

7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

Election judges will be appointed and trained in the same manner used for previous State General Elections.

Upcoming Election Cycles

Future Municipal Elections Overview

After the initial terms begin to expire, future municipal elections will be held during the November general election in even-numbered years.

The first regular municipal election after incorporation will be held on November 7, 2028.

After the initial transition period:

  • The Mayor will serve a two-year term.
  • City Council Members will serve four-year terms.

Municipal elections will continue to be conducted during the November general election in even-numbered years, consistent with Minnesota law and the incorporation order.