Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

New Brighton Mayor & City Council Election 2026

3 of 5

council seats up

2 contests

4 candidates

Updated Oct 5, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check →

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

Mayor · 1 seat

Jeffrey NelsonCandidate for New Brighton mayor on the November 3, 2026 ballot.1sourced
Kari Niedfeldt-ThomasIncumbentMayor of New Brighton since January 2021, with more than 35 years in private, civic and nonprofit work.5sourced

City Council At-large · Unopposed

Voters citywide choose the mayor and two at-large council members.

1 note on these statements

Councilmember Emily Dunsworth's term expires January 3, 2027. City of New Brighton

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Jeanne Vint FrischmanCouncilmember; term expires December 31, 20284sourced Jason SteffenhagenCouncilmember; term expires December 31, 20284sourced

Start here

Match quiz5 questions · answers stay on your phone Seat the CouncilPick winners, see the council What council decidesProperty tax levy and budget, Housing policy, Brightwood Hills clubhouse site Key datesDeadlines and vote centers

Next date

Early voting begins

Fri, Oct 16, 2026

All key dates

What the next council decides

Property tax levy and budget

Where it standsThe council adopted a 2026 levy of $16,117,900 in December 2025, an increase of 6.37%.

What's on the tableThe 2027 budget and tax levy, and utility rates informed by a rate study due this year.

The adopted 2026 citywide levy is $16,117,900, up $964,700 or 6.37% from 2025. City of New Brighton · Dec 9, 2025
The 2026 general fund budget is $25,616,000, a 6.6% increase over the 2025 adopted budget. City of New Brighton · Dec 9, 2025
In March 2026 the council authorized a utility rate study intended to inform 2027 utility rate decisions. City of New Brighton · Mar 10, 2026

Housing policy

Where it standsThe city is developing a Housing Action Plan with an inclusionary housing policy under discussion.

What's on the tableWhich housing programs and requirements to adopt, and how to use state Local Affordable Housing Aid money.

A consultant reported in January 2026 that the city was pursuing the Housing Action Plan to decide how to allocate Local Affordable Housing Aid dollars. City of New Brighton · Jan 6, 2026
The consultant reported that an inclusionary housing policy would require new housing projects to have a certain number of below-market units. City of New Brighton · Jan 6, 2026
In February 2026 the mayor said the council had passed an ordinance ensuring mobile home park properties remain mobile home parks. City of New Brighton · Feb 24, 2026

Brightwood Hills clubhouse site

Where it standsThe council chose a preferred developer for the clubhouse site; its concept includes about 139 market-rate apartments and a new clubhouse.

What's on the tableWhether and how to proceed with a development agreement and any land use changes for the site next to the city-owned golf course.

In October 2025 the council recommended conditional approval of Ordinance 923 for the Brightwood Hills clubhouse area, 4-0. City of New Brighton · Oct 28, 2025
The May 26, 2026 agenda included a preliminary development agreement with The Beard Group for the clubhouse site. City of New Brighton · May 26, 2026
The Beard Group concept, Brightwood Flats, includes approximately 139 market-rate apartments and a new clubhouse facility. City of New Brighton · May 26, 2026

Data centers

Where it standsThe council approved a moratorium on data centers in April 2026.

What's on the tableWhat standards, if any, should govern data centers once the moratorium study is finished.

In April 2026 the council approved Ordinance 931, establishing a moratorium on data centers, 4-0. City of New Brighton · Apr 14, 2026
Staff recommended the moratorium to give staff and policymakers time to evaluate data centers as a land use. City of New Brighton · Apr 14, 2026

Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

1. How should the council set New Brighton's property tax levy?
2. How should New Brighton address housing costs?
3. Should New Brighton adopt rent control?
4. What should the city do with the Brightwood Hills clubhouse site?
5. What should New Brighton do about data centers?

Seat the Council →

Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.

Key dates

In-person absentee ballots availableMinnesota Secretary of StateSep 18, 2026
Early voting beginsMinnesota Secretary of StateOct 16, 2026
Last day to vote early in personMinnesota Secretary of StateNov 2, 2026
General election dayMinnesota Secretary of StateNov 3, 2026

The seat math

2 stay (not up this year): Jeanne Vint Frischman, Jason Steffenhagen3 on this ballot

5 council seats. The council decides by a 3-vote majority.

The council directory lists a mayor and four councilmembers. City of New Brighton
Council minutes record 5-0 votes with the mayor and four councilmembers present, such as the Dec 9, 2025 votes on the final levy and budget. City of New Brighton · Dec 9, 2025
The mayor's term expires January 3, 2027. City of New Brighton
Councilmember Graeme Allen's term expires January 3, 2027. City of New Brighton

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