Rochester Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Joe Powers
Candidate for Mayor
Joe Powers is running for mayor of Rochester in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Jess Garcia.
Pre-registration deadline (you can still register at the polls) · Tue, Oct 13, 2026
Restaurateur who opened the Canadian Honker Restaurant in 1984 and grew it into a catering and events company. Served on the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Civil Service Commission (2018-2024).
- Endorsed by
- Lists endorsements from local residents and business owners, including Don Supalla and Pat Carroll. Campaign website (accessed Oct 2, 2026)
- Campaign website
- powersformayor.com
Where Joe Powers stands: positions on the record
Budget and taxes1 sourced position
Campaign site pledges to fight property tax hikes and examine every line of the city budget.
“Fight against property tax hikes and examine every line of the city budget”
Own statementCampaign website (accessed Oct 2, 2026)
Sports and recreation complex1 sourced position
Said the sports complex project could have been managed better, with earlier public engagement and a more transparent site selection.
“I believe the project could have been managed more effectively at several points along the way.”
Own statementPost Bulletin · Jul 10, 2026
Housing1 sourced position
Campaign site proposes lowering fees on affordable housing projects and supporting first-time buyers.
“Cut costs for builders and buyers by lowering fees on affordable housing projects.”
Own statementCampaign website (accessed Oct 2, 2026)
Public safety1 sourced position
Campaign site calls for fully funding and equipping the Rochester Police Department.
“Invest in the Rochester Police Department to fully fund and equip to meet community needs”
Own statementCampaign website (accessed Oct 2, 2026)
Immigration enforcement1 sourced position
As reported by the Post Bulletin (LWV forum, Sept 30, 2026); not a direct quote unless quoted
Called the federal ICE presence in Rochester heavy-handed; said he would need to look into the police policy of not assisting ICE.
“It was a heavy hand, and it was not done properly”
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 he would use the veto sparingly.
“It is very critical for the mayor to have a great relationship with the council, so I would use it sparingly”
Forum answerPost Bulletin · Sep 30, 2026
Conflicts of interest1 sourced position
Said he would step away from any matter where he sees a conflict of interest with his businesses.
“Anytime I would think there's going to be a conflict of interest, I would take myself out of that right away”
Own statementPost Bulletin · Sep 26, 2026
Also running for Mayor
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