Following the retirement of longtime Commissioner Leigh Lenzmeier, effective April 23, 2025, the Stearns County Board of Commissioners has officially declared a vacancy in the Office of County Commissioner for District 4 and has called for a Special Election to ensure timely representation for residents in that district.

District 4 includes portions of the Cities of Waite Park and St. Cloud. Individuals interested in running for the District 4 seat must file an affidavit of candidacy with the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office at the Stearns County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, downtown St. Cloud. Filing opens Tuesday, May 20 and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

A Special Primary Election, if required, will take place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The Special General Election is scheduled for November 4, 2025. If only one or two candidates file for the seat, no primary is necessary, and the Special Election will instead be held on August 12. Absentee balloting, whether for a Primary or Special General Election will begin June 27.

“The Board is committed to ensuring residents in District 4 continue to have representation on county matters,” said Mike Williams, Stearns County Administrator. “This Special Election process follows state law and allows for a smooth and prompt transition of leadership in District 4.”

For more information on filing requirements, district boundaries, or election procedures, contact the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office at 656-3900 or visit their elections page of the website at stearnscountymn.gov/1834.