HPR Voter Guide

April 15th, 2026

By Bryce Vincent Haugen

High Plains Reader has assembled a Voter Guide to introduce readers to candidates in the June 9 Fargo election. Here we’ll meet candidates for mayor and Fargo City Commission. Each candidate answered the same three questions.

Additional coverage of Fargo and West Fargo candidates

Look for additional coverage of the Fargo Park Board online at hpr1.com. In our May issue, we will cover the Fargo School Board race and interview candidates for West Fargo Mayor, West Fargo City Commission and West Fargo Park Board.

The candidates for mayor

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney is term-limited and will be leaving the mayor’s office after serving since December 2014, roughly 11 years. Five candidates are running to replace him: Senator Josh Boschee; City Commissioners Denise Kolpack, Dave Piepkorn and Michelle Turnberg; and Human Rights Commission chair Rev. ST (Sekou) Sirleaf.

Josh Boschee

Sen. Boschee (District 44) is a longtime Fargo community leader, real estate broker and state legislator. With more than a decade of experience working on large-scale budgets, public safety, housing and workforce issues, Boschee said he takes a pragmatic, collaborative approach to solving problems and delivering results.

HPR: How has your background prepared you for this role?

Josh Boschee: I’ve spent my career focused on bringing people together to solve complex challenges and deliver results for our community. As a legislator representing Fargo in Bismarck, I’ve worked across party lines to pass practical solutions on housing, workforce and infrastructure which directly impact Fargo’s future. I’ve also built strong relationships with state and community leaders, businesses and neighborhood advocates, giving me a clear understanding of how decisions at City Hall affect people day to day.

My background in public service, combined with real experience navigating budgets, policy and community priorities, means I’m ready to lead on day one. I understand both the urgency of our challenges and the importance of thoughtful, accountable leadership to move Fargo forward.

HPR: Top three campaign issues?

JB: My campaign is focused on three core priorities: housing affordability, public safety and smart growth.

First, we must expand housing options so people at all income levels can afford to live in Fargo. That means cutting red tape, supporting workforce housing and planning for long-term growth.

Second, public safety requires both strong emergency response and proactive community-based solutions, including mental health and addiction services.

Third, we need to manage growth responsibly with how we invest in infrastructure, support local businesses and ensure development benefits the entire community. These priorities are about keeping Fargo a place where people feel safe, can build a life and see opportunity for the future.

HPR: Biggest opportunities/challenges for Fargo?

JB: As one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest, Fargo’s…

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