Former N.D. Gov. Schafer Highlights Budget as Key Issue for Fargo Mayoral Candidates

Schafer believes the next mayor must have financial expertise to balance the city's budget amid public pressure.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 2:28am

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Former North Dakota governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer believes the most important issue facing Fargo mayoral candidates is the city's budget. Schafer, who lives in Fargo, says the next mayor will need extensive knowledge in finance, balance sheets and bonding to create a balanced budget and withstand public pressure to make unpopular cuts.

Why it matters

Fargo's budget and fiscal management will be a critical priority for the next mayor, as the city faces ongoing financial challenges and public scrutiny over spending decisions. Schafer's perspective as a former high-ranking government official provides valuable insight into the skills and experience needed to effectively lead Fargo through these budgetary issues.

The details

Schafer explained that the next Fargo mayor will need "the backbone to stick up" and implement a budget plan, even when facing public pressure. He believes candidates should have a strong background in finance and the ability to make tough decisions. The race features several candidates, including Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack, City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn, Fargo Human Rights Commission Chair Sekou Sirleaf, Dem-NPL State Senator Josh Boschee, and National Guardsman Jake Coulter.

  • The Fargo mayoral election is scheduled for June 9, 2026.

The players

Ed Schafer

Former North Dakota governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture who lives in Fargo.

Denise Kolpack

Deputy Mayor of Fargo and candidate for mayor.

Dave Piepkorn

Fargo City Commissioner and candidate for mayor.

Sekou Sirleaf

Chair of the Fargo Human Rights Commission and candidate for mayor.

Josh Boschee

Dem-NPL State Senator and candidate for Fargo mayor.

Jake Coulter

National Guardsman and candidate for Fargo mayor.

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What they’re saying

“'Do they have the backbone to stick up if you make a cut and you get public pressure or your mother-in-law jumps you in the grocery store and says 'You shouldn't do that!' Do you have the backbone to build a plan, stick to it and get it done?'”

— Ed Schafer, Former North Dakota Governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (The Jay Thomas Show)

What’s next

Voters in Fargo will head to the polls on June 9, 2026 to elect the city's next mayor.

The takeaway

Fargo's next mayor will face significant budgetary challenges, and Schafer believes candidates must have strong financial expertise and the political courage to make unpopular decisions in order to balance the city's books. Voters should closely examine the candidates' backgrounds and positions on fiscal management before casting their ballots.