Fargo Mayoral Candidate Vows to Overhaul Police Culture

Dave Piepkorn says it will take years to undo the 'disaster' left by former Police Chief David Zibolski.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:20am

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary police cruiser parked on a quiet Fargo street, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the pavement, conveying a sense of nostalgia and contemplation around the future of the city's law enforcement.A mayoral candidate's vow to overhaul Fargo's police culture exposes the city's deep political divisions.Fargo Today

Fargo City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn, a candidate for mayor, has vowed to make major changes to the city's police department if elected. Piepkorn criticized the leadership of former Police Chief David Zibolski, saying the 'damage that's been done is going to take us years to undo' and that the department has 'basically lost all of our culture and senior leadership.' Piepkorn also opposed a proposed 1-cent sales tax increase and said he would make staffing changes to city committees, replacing 'lots of liberals' with more conservative-leaning appointees.

Why it matters

Piepkorn's comments highlight the deep divisions within Fargo's political landscape, with the mayoral race shaping up as a battle over the future direction of the city's law enforcement and governance. His pledge to overhaul the police department and reshape city committees could have significant implications for Fargo's residents.

The details

Piepkorn, a current city commissioner, said the way former Police Chief David Zibolski ran the department for five years was 'a disaster.' He noted that two high-ranking police officials, Captains Bill Ahlfeldt and Chris Helmick, left the Fargo Police Department last year to join the Moorhead Police Department, with Helmick becoming the chief and Ahlfeldt the assistant chief. Piepkorn said the city has 'basically lost all of our culture and senior leadership' and that it will 'take years to undo' the damage. He also opposed a proposed 1-cent sales tax increase supported by Mayor Tim Mahoney, calling it a 'huge number' that will grow 5-10% annually. Piepkorn said he would make staffing changes to city committees, replacing 'lots of liberals' with more conservative-leaning appointees.

  • Piepkorn said the damage done under former Police Chief David Zibolski's leadership over the past five years will take years to undo.
  • Captains Bill Ahlfeldt and Chris Helmick left the Fargo Police Department last year to join the Moorhead Police Department.

The players

Dave Piepkorn

A Fargo City Commissioner and candidate for mayor who has vowed to overhaul the city's police department and reshape city committees if elected.

David Zibolski

The former Fargo Police Chief whose leadership Piepkorn has criticized as a 'disaster.'

Bill Ahlfeldt

A former Fargo Police Captain who left the department last year to join the Moorhead Police Department as the assistant chief.

Chris Helmick

A former Fargo Police Captain who left the department last year to become the police chief in Moorhead.

Tim Mahoney

The current mayor of Fargo who has proposed a 1-cent sales tax increase that Piepkorn opposes.

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What they’re saying

“The damage that's been done is going to take us years to undo. We've basically lost all of our culture and senior leadership. You can't just hire somebody. That takes years to replace.”

— Dave Piepkorn, Fargo City Commissioner and Mayoral Candidate

“It's $34 million a year and will grow five to 10% every year. It's a huge number. My only advice to the voters of Fargo is you never get a chance to reduce your taxes. This is your chance.”

— Dave Piepkorn, Fargo City Commissioner and Mayoral Candidate

“In the past we've had lots of liberals appointed to almost every position and that would have a long-term impact for the City of Fargo.”

— Dave Piepkorn, Fargo City Commissioner and Mayoral Candidate

What’s next

The Fargo mayoral election is scheduled for June 2026, and Piepkorn's comments suggest the race will be heavily focused on issues of public safety, government spending, and political ideology.

The takeaway

Piepkorn's criticisms of the Fargo Police Department and his pledge to reshape the city's political and administrative leadership if elected mayor highlight the deep partisan divides in Fargo politics. His campaign promises could have significant implications for the city's future direction on key issues.