Woodbury Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
John Sebastian
Candidate for Mayor
John Sebastian is running for mayor of Woodbury in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Anne Burt.
Pre-registration deadline (you can still register at the polls) · Tue, Oct 13, 2026
Former auditor (Certified Internal Auditor; passed the CPA exam) who spent more than two decades in strategy and operations at 3M. Former board president of History Theatre in St. Paul; 25-year Woodbury resident.
- Campaign website
- www.sebastianforwoodbury.com
Where John Sebastian stands: positions on the record
Representation1 sourced position
Says he will lead an effort to put a ward system on the ballot and let residents decide.
“As Mayor, I'll lead the effort to put a ward system on the ballot, and let residents decide.”
Own statementCampaign website (accessed Oct 2, 2026)
City Hall1 sourced position
Wants a guaranteed process for resident issues to reach the council agenda and regular neighborhood meetings.
“As Mayor, I'll change that: a guaranteed process for resident issues to reach the Council agenda, real dialogue at public meetings, and regular neighborhood meetings across Woodbury”
Own statementCampaign website (accessed Oct 2, 2026)
Immigration enforcement1 sourced position
Authored a resident-drafted resolution restricting use of city property for federal immigration enforcement, which was not placed on the council agenda.
“Relief is not the same as resolution”
Own statementWoodbury News Net · Apr 23, 2026
Water and data centers1 sourced position
Calls for tiered water rates for commercial users and strong rules for high-water-use projects before more are approved.
“As Mayor, conservation will apply to everyone: tiered commercial rates, and strong rules for high-water-use projects — before we get more.”
Own statementCampaign website (accessed Oct 2, 2026)
Budget and taxes2 sourced positions
Notes the levy rose 8.3% and then 9.7%; says he would require competitive bidding on contracts and restrict out-of-state travel.
Own statementCampaign website (accessed Oct 2, 2026)
Proposes priority-based budgeting that funds programs by results rather than prior-year spending.
Own statementEast Metro Voter Guide (Saint Paul Area Chamber): John Sebastian questionnaire
Housing1 sourced position
Says Woodbury needs housing types it has restricted, such as smaller multifamily buildings and accessory dwelling units; is skeptical of ongoing rent control.
“Woodbury needs more of the housing types we've historically restricted — smaller-scale multifamily near existing commercial areas, accessory dwelling units, and faster permitting specifically for affordable and senior housing”
Own statementEast Metro Voter Guide (Saint Paul Area Chamber): John Sebastian questionnaire
Also running for Mayor
- Anne Burt (incumbent)
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