Piepkorn announces campaign for Fargo mayor

FARGO (KVRR-KFGO) — Fargo City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn is running for mayor.

Piepkorn says he’s running because the city has serious issues.

“The main one is our Moody’s downgrade, our financials for the City of Fargo – we need to reduce some spending quickly,” Piepkorn says. “Right now, that’s not happening. Instead, they’re proposing raising more taxes. So, that’s my number one issue. I would say the number two is public safety. We have to be a lot more tough on crime. Right now, we have leadership that is soft on crime and the downtown, especially, is suffering the consequences.”

Piepkorn has been a city commissioner for 16 years. He was first elected in 2008 and served until 2012. He was elected again in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Piepkorn has been a small business owner and is currently self-employed.

“I’m very excited,” Piepkorn says. “I’m looking forward to it. The election is on June 9, so it’ll be a short campaign, but obviously, there are lots of things that need to change in the City of Fargo. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Others running are National Guard member Jake Coulter, Commissioner Denise Kolpack, and State Sen. Josh Boschee.