Columbia Heights Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Rachel
James
Rachel James is running for mayor of Columbia Heights in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Mark Miernicki.
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The race · Mayor
- 01Rachel JamesYou’re reading
- 02Mark Miernicki
Background
- About
- Council President of Columbia Heights, first elected to the City Council in 2022. Her campaign site lists service as chair of the Economic Development Authority and six years on the Multicultural Advisory Committee to the Columbia Heights Police Department.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Nonpartisan
- Party
- Nonpartisan race. City of Columbia Heights
- Campaign website
- racheljamesforheights.com
Rachel James, a current member of the City Council, is running for mayor. Rachel James campaign site
Rachel James and Mark Miernicki are listed as the candidates in the League of Women Voters mayor forum recorded Sept. 17, 2026. League of Women Voters Anoka-Blaine-Coon Rapids Area: 2026 candidate forums
On the record: Rachel James
6 sourced01License plate readers2 sourced positions
Voted aye to end the Flock Safety contract and remove all 12 license plate reader cameras (passed 5-0, June 2026).
Council voteColumbia Heights City Council minutes, June 8, 2026 · Jun 8, 2026LinkHow the council voted
As summarized in the City Council minutes; not a direct quote
As summarized in the minutes, said she supported ending the Flock contract because public safety should not come at the expense of privacy, civil liberties and community trust.
Own statementColumbia Heights City Council minutes, June 8, 2026 · Jun 8, 2026Link
02Property tax levy2 sourced positions
Voted aye on the proposed 2026 budget and city levy with a tax rate increase (passed 5-0, Sept. 2025).
Council voteColumbia Heights City Council minutes, Sept. 22, 2025 · Sep 22, 2025LinkHow the council voted
Voted aye on the 2026 city budget, levy and tax rate increase (passed 4-0 with Councilmember Deneen absent, Dec. 2025).
Council voteColumbia Heights City Council minutes, Dec. 8, 2025 · Dec 8, 2025LinkHow the council voted
03Central Avenue reconstruction1 sourced position
As summarized in the City Council minutes; not a direct quote
As summarized in the minutes, said she supports a safer corridor and better transit access and is concerned about construction effects on businesses.
Own statementColumbia Heights City Council minutes, June 22, 2026 · Jun 22, 2026Link
04Housing1 sourced position
Campaign site lists expanding affordable housing among her priorities.
expanding affordable housing so more people can call our city home”
Own statementRachel James campaign siteLink
Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works
Rachel James: their words and their votes on the same issue
License plate readers
In their words
As summarized in the minutes, said she supported ending the Flock contract because public safety should not come at the expense of privacy, civil liberties and community trust.
Jun 8, 2026 ·As summarized in the City Council minutes; not a direct quote ·Columbia Heights City Council minutes, June 8, 2026 · Jun 8, 2026
On the record
Voted aye to end the Flock Safety contract and remove all 12 license plate reader cameras (passed 5-0, June 2026).
Jun 8, 2026 ·Columbia Heights City Council minutes, June 8, 2026 · Jun 8, 2026
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