West Fargo Announces Slate of Candidates

Eric Gjerdevig running unopposed for mayor, four candidates for city commission

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:37am

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A serene, realistic painting of a government building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of civic duty and community engagement.The West Fargo municipal election will determine the city's leadership for the next several years, shaping priorities on economic development, infrastructure, and community services.West Fargo Today

The City of West Fargo has announced the candidates for the upcoming municipal election, including a lone mayoral candidate, four candidates for two city commission seats, a municipal judge candidate, and four candidates for two park board seats. The election is scheduled for June 9.

Why it matters

Local elections play a crucial role in shaping a community's future, and the West Fargo race will determine leadership on key issues like economic development, infrastructure, and parks and recreation. The uncontested mayoral race is notable, as is the competitive field for city commission.

The details

Eric Gjerdevig will be the sole candidate on the ballot for mayor of West Fargo, after incumbent Bernie Dardis announced he would not seek reelection. Four candidates - Tyler Erickson, John Severson, Patti Stedman and David Withee - will compete for two seats on the West Fargo City Commission. James Maertens has filed for the position of municipal judge, while four people - Chris Heise, Jake Lauritsen, Thomas Paskvan and Robert Rasmussen - have filed for two seats on the West Fargo Park Board.

  • The election is scheduled for June 9, 2026.

The players

Eric Gjerdevig

The lone candidate on the ballot for mayor of West Fargo.

Bernie Dardis

The incumbent mayor of West Fargo who announced he would not seek reelection.

Tyler Erickson

One of four candidates running for two seats on the West Fargo City Commission.

John Severson

One of four candidates running for two seats on the West Fargo City Commission.

Patti Stedman

One of four candidates running for two seats on the West Fargo City Commission.

David Withee

One of four candidates running for two seats on the West Fargo City Commission.

James Maertens

The candidate who has filed for the position of municipal judge in West Fargo.

Chris Heise

One of four candidates running for two seats on the West Fargo Park Board.

Jake Lauritsen

One of four candidates running for two seats on the West Fargo Park Board.

Thomas Paskvan

One of four candidates running for two seats on the West Fargo Park Board.

Robert Rasmussen

One of four candidates running for two seats on the West Fargo Park Board.

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The takeaway

The West Fargo municipal election will feature a mix of contested and uncontested races, with voters set to choose new leadership on the city commission, park board, and potentially the mayor's office. The outcome will shape the community's priorities and direction for the next several years.