Fargo City Commissioner Announces Mayoral Campaign

Dave Piepkorn cites city's financial troubles and public safety concerns as key issues

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Fargo City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn has announced his campaign for mayor, citing the city's financial troubles and public safety concerns as his top priorities. Piepkorn, who has served on the city commission for 16 years, says the city needs to reduce spending and take a tougher stance on crime, especially in the downtown area.

Why it matters

Piepkorn's mayoral bid comes at a critical time for Fargo, as the city faces a Moody's credit downgrade and ongoing public safety challenges. His campaign promises to address these issues could have a significant impact on the city's future direction.

The details

Piepkorn, who has been a small business owner and is currently self-employed, says the city's financial situation is his number one issue, with the Moody's downgrade and proposed tax increases as key concerns. He also believes the city needs to take a tougher stance on crime, especially in the downtown area, which he says is suffering the consequences of 'soft on crime' leadership.

  • Piepkorn has been a city commissioner since 2008, with breaks in service from 2012-2014 and 2018-2022.
  • The mayoral election is scheduled for June 9, 2026.

The players

Dave Piepkorn

Fargo City Commissioner who is running for mayor, citing the city's financial troubles and public safety concerns as his top priorities.

Jake Coulter

National Guard member who is also running for Fargo mayor.

Denise Kolpack

Fargo City Commissioner who is running for mayor.

Josh Boschee

State Senator who is running for Fargo mayor.

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What they’re saying

“The main one is our Moody's downgrade, our financials for the City of Fargo – we need to reduce some spending quickly. Right now, that's not happening. Instead, they're proposing raising more taxes.”

— Dave Piepkorn, Fargo City Commissioner (kfgo.com)

“We have to be a lot more tough on crime. Right now, we have leadership that is soft on crime and the downtown, especially, is suffering the consequences.”

— Dave Piepkorn, Fargo City Commissioner (kfgo.com)

What’s next

The mayoral election is scheduled for June 9, 2026, and voters will have the opportunity to choose between Piepkorn and the other candidates running for the position.

The takeaway

Piepkorn's mayoral campaign promises to address Fargo's financial challenges and public safety concerns, which could have significant implications for the city's future. As the election approaches, voters will be closely watching to see how the candidates' platforms and proposed solutions resonate with the community.