Rochester Mayor · Nov 3, 2026

Jess Garcia

Candidate for Mayor

8 candidates · 4 seats6 sourced positions

Jess Garcia is running for mayor of Rochester in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Joe Powers.

Pre-registration deadline (you can still register at the polls) · Tue, Oct 13, 2026

Clinical psychologist and former Rochester School Board director (2021-2024). Member of the Governor's Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans since 2023.

Endorsed by: Lists endorsements from State Reps. Tina Liebling and Andy Smith, State Sen. Liz Boldon, and the MAPE union. Campaign website (accessed Oct 2, 2026)
Campaign website: drjessgarcia.com

Where Jess Garcia stands: positions on the record

Sports and recreation complex2 sourced positions

Said the sports complex vote in late 2025 is the main decision she would have vetoed.
“The primary issue I would have used my veto power on is the Sports Complex vote in late 2025.”
Own statementPost Bulletin · Jul 17, 2026
Said her preference would be to return the sports complex to the voters.
“my preference would be to return it to the voters and actually listen this time.”
Own statementPost Bulletin · Jul 10, 2026

Immigration enforcement1 sourced position

As reported by the Post Bulletin (LWV forum, Sept 30, 2026); not a direct quote unless quoted
Said she would redirect Rochester police if they began assisting ICE.
“I would absolutely redirect RPD, if they started assisting ICE, 100%”
Forum answerPost Bulletin · Sep 30, 2026

Mayoral veto1 sourced position

As reported by the Post Bulletin (LWV forum, Sept 30, 2026); not a direct quote unless quoted
Said she would use the veto as often as necessary so residents' views are heard in city decisions.
“I would use it as often as necessary to ensure the people’s voice is what is happening and what is heard in city decisionmaking”
Forum answerPost Bulletin · Sep 30, 2026

Budget and taxes1 sourced position

As reported by the Post Bulletin (LWV forum, Sept 30, 2026); not a direct quote unless quoted
Said she would start reviewing city department accounts herself on her first day as mayor.
“That is actually part of something I would like to do on Day 1, is to start to go through an audit myself”
Forum answerPost Bulletin · Sep 30, 2026

Destination Medical Center1 sourced position

Proposed dedicated funding to support businesses and residents affected by DMC construction projects.
“One way to help ameliorate concerns would be to create pathways for clear and dedicated funding to support businesses and individuals who have been greatly impacted by this project and future projects even if not of this magnitude.”
Own statementPost Bulletin · Jul 10, 2026

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