Fargo Mayoral Debate Set for Fargo Theatre

Five candidates will discuss key issues impacting the business community and region.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting of the Fargo Theatre marquee at night, with people entering the building silhouetted against the warm glow of the lights. The scene has a nostalgic, contemplative mood, reflecting the importance of this mayoral debate for the city's future.The historic Fargo Theatre will host a pivotal mayoral debate, shining a spotlight on the future leadership of this growing Midwest city.Fargo Today

The five candidates for Fargo mayor will participate in a debate at the Fargo Theatre on Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 PM. The event is co-hosted by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, the Building Industry Association of the Red River Valley, and the Downtown Community Partnership, and will focus on issues important to the local business community and broader region.

Why it matters

The Fargo mayoral election is a critical decision for the city's future, with the winner playing a key role in shaping development, infrastructure, housing, and the overall growth and identity of the community, especially in the downtown area which serves as the 'front door' to the region.

The details

The five candidates participating in the debate are Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack, City Commissioners Dave Piepkorn and Michelle Turnberg, State Senator Josh Boschee, and Human Rights Commission Chair Sekou Sirleaf. The event will be livestreamed on the Chamber's website and is intended to help inform residents and business leaders about the candidates' platforms and positions on important local issues.

  • The mayoral debate is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

The players

Denise Kolpack

The current Deputy Mayor of Fargo.

Dave Piepkorn

A Fargo City Commissioner.

Michelle Turnberg

A Fargo City Commissioner.

Josh Boschee

A North Dakota State Senator.

Sekou Sirleaf

The Chair of the Fargo Human Rights Commission.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“An informed community is essential to a strong and thriving region. This debate creates an opportunity for residents and business leaders to hear from the candidates, understand where they stand on key issues and make decisions grounded in clarity and context.”

— Shannon Full, President and CEO of The Chamber

“Mayoral leadership plays a critical role in how our community grows and builds for the future. This debate helps highlight how each candidate approaches development, infrastructure and the decisions that influence attainable, diverse housing, homeownership and long-term growth in Fargo.”

— Bryce Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and Foundation Administrator of the Building Industry Association

“Downtown Fargo is the front door to our entire region. The leadership decisions made at the mayoral level in Fargo impact how we grow, how we reinvest and how we create a downtown that reflects the strength and identity of our entire community.”

— Rocky Schneider, Executive Director of the Downtown Community Partnership

What’s next

The mayoral debate will be livestreamed on the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce's website on April 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

The takeaway

This mayoral debate provides an important opportunity for Fargo residents and business leaders to hear directly from the candidates on their visions and plans for the city's future, particularly around key issues like development, infrastructure, housing, and downtown revitalization that will shape Fargo's growth and identity for years to come.