First Mayoral Debate in 2026 Gives Audience Look at Candidates

The city of Fargo is certain to have a new mayor for the first time in over a decade as Dr. Tim Mahoney has reached his term limit.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Swaths of prospective voters packed the Fargo Theatre on the evening of April 21st to see the mayoral contenders in action.

Four come with connections to Fargo city government – three current commissioners and the Chair of the Human Rights Commission – and one has served in the North Dakota State Legislature since 2012.

All sought to convince the crowd they were the right person for the job.

“You will certainly hear how proud I am to have served the last four years on the city commission and as your deputy mayor,” said Denise Kolpack.

Commissioners Dave Piepkorn and Michelle Turnberg represent the right wing of the political spectrum, and both took to task the city’s debt and perceived crime problem.

“We are 1.3 billion dollars in debt right now and that is not sustainable,” said Turnberg.

Meanwhile, the more progressive-leaning elements on the dais – Pastor Sekou Sirleaf, State Senator Josh Boschee, and Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack – spoke more about spurring more growth in Fargo and making sure residents felt like the city had their best interests at heart.

“Fargo belongs to all of us. Fargo can be greater than what it is. I think we can go from good to great,” said Sirleaf.

“We are going to hear through these next six weeks about the doom and gloom. But there’s nothing but opportunity ahead for us,” added Boschee.

All candidates will continue doing everything they can to drum up support for their causes prior to the election in June.

Both Kolpack and Piepkorn left their city commission seats behind to run in this election, meaning that if they lose, they will not be involved in city government for at least the next four years.