Former district judge announces campaign for Clay County attorney

MOORHEAD — A former district court judge is running to become the next Clay County Attorney.

Amber Gustafson stepped down from the bench in 2022 after the death of her husband, West Fargo Police Lieutenant Adam Gustafson.

She is an Iraq War veteran who grew up in Moorhead.

Gustafson has been an attorney for almost 20 years and had a private practice in Moorhead before she was appointed to the bench.

She says that while crime trends have stabilized, public safety must remain a top priority and she’s ready to return to public service.

“My commitment to public service hasn’t wavered,” Gustafson said. “I might have taken a step back for a few years, but I’m ready to return to service and it’s important to me, as a Moorhead native, to ensure that our community is working well and is a safe community, and is forward thinking.”

Current Clay County Attorney Brian Melton was first elected in 2006 and he tells KVRR Local News that he intends to seek another term.