Former judge announces run for Clay County Attorney

Amber Gustafson, a former Clay County District Court judge, is running for the county attorney position.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:23am

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A dimly lit, empty courtroom with wooden benches and a judge's bench, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, creating a sense of solemnity and contemplation.The quiet contemplation of the judicial system as a former judge seeks to bring her experience to the role of county attorney.Moorhead Today

Amber Gustafson, a former Clay County District Court judge, has announced her candidacy for the Clay County Attorney position. Gustafson, who has been a licensed attorney in Minnesota for 20 years and is an Iraq War veteran, stepped away from the bench after the death of her husband, a West Fargo Police Lieutenant. She is now ready to take on the challenge of being the Clay County Attorney, citing the need to address the increase in serious and violent crime in the community and hold repeat and violent offenders accountable.

Why it matters

The Clay County Attorney position is an important role in ensuring public safety and addressing criminal behavior in the community. Gustafson's background as a former judge and her experience in the legal field and military service provide her with a unique perspective and qualifications to take on this role.

The details

Amber Gustafson announced her candidacy for the Clay County Attorney position this week. She has been a licensed attorney in Minnesota for 20 years and is an Iraq War veteran who served eight years in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Gustafson stepped away from her position as a Clay County District Court judge after the death of her husband, West Fargo Police Lieutenant Adam Gustafson, citing the need to care for their three young children. Now, she is ready to accept the challenge of being the Clay County Attorney, stating that the county has seen an increase in serious and violent crime in recent years and that public safety must remain a top priority.

  • Gustafson announced her candidacy for the Clay County Attorney position this week.

The players

Amber Gustafson

A former Clay County District Court judge who is running for the Clay County Attorney position. She has been a licensed attorney in Minnesota for 20 years and is an Iraq War veteran who served eight years in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Adam Gustafson

Amber Gustafson's late husband, who was a West Fargo Police Lieutenant. Amber Gustafson stepped away from her position as a judge after his death to care for their three young children.

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What they’re saying

“You've trusted me before. Now, I'm asking you to trust me again.”

— Amber Gustafson, Candidate for Clay County Attorney

“Like many communities in recent years, Clay County has seen an increase in serious and violent crime. While trends have stabilized, public safety must remain a top priority and repeat and violent offenders must be held accountable. When mental health and addiction drive criminal behavior, smart intervention can break the cycle and make our community safer. We need solutions that lead to long-term success, not just short-term fixes. We cannot rely on outdated approaches simply because 'that's how it's always been done.'”

— Amber Gustafson, Candidate for Clay County Attorney

What’s next

Gustafson will continue her campaign for the Clay County Attorney position, with the election scheduled for November 2026.

The takeaway

Amber Gustafson's background as a former judge and her experience in the legal field and military service provide her with a unique perspective and qualifications to take on the role of Clay County Attorney. Her focus on addressing the increase in serious and violent crime in the community and holding repeat and violent offenders accountable, as well as exploring smart interventions for mental health and addiction-driven criminal behavior, could bring a fresh approach to the position.