The winners from the August Primary Election were invited for a second round of interviews ahead of the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Early voting is open through Nov. 7.
The at large seat on the Bemidji City Council represents all residents of the city, representing all five wards.
After this election, the City Council will declare a vacancy for either the Ward 1 or Ward 3 seat, depending on how the election turns out.
The candidates are listed in the order in which they were interviewed.
AUDREY THAYER
Audrey Thayer
Audrey Thayer is an enrolled White Earth Band member and has served on the Bemidji City Council since 2021, winning the 2020 election for the Ward 1 seat by a fairly close margin.
Thayer is a strong believer in nonpartisanship and listening to the constituents as she makes her decisions as a council member.
Thayer believes she has more projects to do and wants to serve another four years representing all wards of the city.
RON JOHNSON
Ron Johnson
Ron Johnson has served on the Bemidji City Council as the Ward 3 representative since the early 2000s and believes his experience is needed on the council.
Johnson was drawn out of the Ward 3 district during the redistricting process, but his term remains in effect through the end of 2024.
Johnson has served in leadership roles in both the League of Minnesota Cities and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and believes these connections can help the city get more legislative help through state these lobbying groups.
