Former Cass County Commissioner Enters Fargo City Commission Race

Chad Peterson aims to bring experienced leadership to address fiscal responsibility, public safety, and infrastructure.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:53pm

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Chad Peterson, a former three-term Cass County Commissioner, has announced his candidacy for the Fargo City Commission. Peterson, a small business owner, says his goal is to focus on the basics of city government, including ensuring fiscal responsibility, supporting public safety and quality-of-life initiatives, investing in infrastructure and roads, encouraging smart economic development, and building a more transparent, collaborative government.

Why it matters

The Fargo City Commission race is heating up as current commissioners Denise Kolpack and Dave Piepkorn are running for mayor, leaving two open seats. Peterson's entry adds an experienced candidate with a track record of public service in the region.

The details

Peterson served 12 years on the Cass County Commission, including multiple terms as chair. He is positioning himself as a fiscally responsible leader who will work to hold the line on property taxes, support public safety, and invest in infrastructure as Fargo continues to grow. Other candidates who have announced their campaigns include former Fargo City Commissioner Tony Gehrig and business owner/artist Anna Johnson.

  • Peterson announced his campaign on March 12, 2026.
  • The Fargo City Commission election is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Chad Peterson

A former three-term Cass County Commissioner and small business owner who is running for a seat on the Fargo City Commission.

Denise Kolpack

A current Fargo City Commissioner who is running for mayor.

Dave Piepkorn

A current Fargo City Commissioner who is running for mayor.

Tony Gehrig

A former Fargo City Commissioner who is running for a seat on the commission.

Anna Johnson

A business owner and artist who is running for a seat on the Fargo City Commission.

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What they’re saying

“As Fargo continues to grow, it needs experienced leadership to ensure fiscal responsibility and hold the line on property taxes, support public safety and quality-of-life initiatives, invest in infrastructure and roads, encourage smart economic development that creates jobs and opportunities, and build a more transparent, collaborative government.”

— Chad Peterson (kfgo.com)

What’s next

The Fargo City Commission election is scheduled for June 2026, and voters will choose two new commissioners to fill the seats being vacated by Kolpack and Piepkorn.

The takeaway

Peterson's entry into the Fargo City Commission race brings an experienced public servant with a focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and infrastructure investment. His campaign will likely highlight his track record on the Cass County Commission and position him as a steady hand to guide Fargo through its continued growth.