Stearns County holds election for board seat that hasn't been vacant in more than three decades

Voters across Minnesota will head to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots in local city, county and school board races.

In the St. Cloud area, two candidates are vying for an open seat on the Stearns County board. One of them would be the state’s first Somali American county commissioner, according to the Association of Minnesota Counties.

Leigh Lenzmeier held the District 4 county commissioner seat for 34 years. He resigned in April, after his wife raised concerns about his cognitive decline.

Six people filed for the District 4 seat, which represents the city of Waite Park and south St. Cloud. Amin Ali and Bob Johnson received the most votes in the August primary election.



https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/10/31/stearns-county-election-commissioner-open-in-three-decades