NisswaNot a ballot

Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Nisswa Mayor & City Council Election 2026

3 of 5 council seats are on the ballot, with 6 candidates running. Updated Oct 21, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check

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Nov 3Election Day

How to vote · 12 days left

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Election Day (Nov 3): the election office's notice

These links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.

The candidates

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

Voters choose the mayor from two candidates and two of the four council members from four candidates; all run citywide.

Election Day · Nov 3

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Also on your Nov 3 ballot

We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.

Official voter lookupState voter guideVote411 (League of Women Voters)

Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Officeholders' pages compare what they've said with how they've voted, with sources.

What the next council decides

01Property taxes and the city budget4 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council adopted a final 2026 levy of $3,721,786 in December 2025, a 0.28% decrease from the prior year.

What's on the tableThe 2027 levy and budget, which the new council will work with after the December 2026 vote.

02Local sales tax for parks2 sourced facts

Where it standsIn December 2025 the council voted unanimously to rescind its earlier approval of advancing a local option sales tax.

What's on the tableWhether to seek a local sales tax again to pay for park improvements.

  • A University of Minnesota analysis estimated a 0.5% sales tax would raise about $655,000 a year, with about 65% coming from non-residents. City of Nisswa · Oct 21, 2025
  • Council Member Jesse Zahn reported that without unanimous council support, a local option sales tax would be difficult to advance at the Legislature. City of Nisswa · Dec 16, 2025
03Spirits of Nisswa liquor store lease3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council voted in July 2026 to make no changes to the city liquor store's lease after the Schaefer family asked for higher rent.

What's on the tableWhether to revisit the lease, which runs through March 2029 with one extension available.

04Consultants for the city liquor businesses3 sourced facts

Where it standsIn August 2026 the council approved a six-month extension of Delaney Consulting's work, 3-1, after a July extension failed 2-2.

What's on the tableWhether to keep paying for outside help with the Spirits liquor store and the Pickle Factory bar after the extension ends.

05Grand View Lodge shed on the public access3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council voted down a provisional shed at the Woodward Avenue public access in May 2026 and kept the city's barricades and signage.

What's on the tableWhether to approve an interim use permit if Grand View Lodge applies for the shed.

06Highway 371 land and the new EDA3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council approved the first members of a new Economic Development Authority in July 2026.

What's on the tableWhat to do with the city-owned land on Highway 371, based on EDA recommendations.

3 notes on these statements

The official candidate list shows Jennifer Carnahan and Andy Schaefer for Mayor, and Bobbi Kochevar, Darel Murphy, John Ryan and Jesse Zahn for Council Member (Elect 2). Minnesota Secretary of State

Council Member Mark Froehle is not running for reelection; Jesse Zahn is. KAXE · Sep 28, 2026

Jesse Zahn did not respond to the KAXE candidate questionnaire. KAXE · Sep 28, 2026

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Who matches you?

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  1. 1. How should Nisswa set its 2027 property tax levy?

  2. 2. Should Nisswa ask the Legislature again for a local sales tax to pay for park improvements?

  3. 3. Should the city accept the Schaefer family's request for higher rent on the liquor store space in exchange for a longer lease?

  4. 4. Should the city keep paying an outside consultant to help run its liquor store and bar?

  5. 5. Should Grand View Lodge be allowed a seasonal shed at the Woodward Avenue public access?

  6. 6. What should happen with the city-owned land on Highway 371?

Seat the councilSeat the Council →Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.On the recordHow the council voted13 council decisions, each member's vote side by side, with a link to the minutes.

Key dates

The seat math

2 stay (not up this year): Joseph Hall, Bruce London3 on this ballot

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

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