The candidate filing period for Brooklyn Park\u2019s 2026 mayoral and city council races opened May 19 and runs through Tuesday, June 2. Brooklyn Park residents who want to shape the future of one of Minnesota\u2019s largest and most diverse cities have until that date to file.<\/p>\n
Those elected this November will serve four-year terms beginning January 4, 2027. The offices on the ballot include Mayor and City Council seats representing the East, Central, and West districts of the city. Brooklyn Park\u2019s council governs a city of more than 85,000 residents \u2014 a community that has become a model of suburban diversity in the Twin Cities metro.<\/p>\n
Filing closes June 2. The next mayor and council members of Brooklyn Park will be decided in November. Who runs is decided now.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s at stake<\/p>\n
The 2026 election arrives at a consequential moment for Brooklyn Park. The City Council is actively deliberating a proposal to more than double the mayor\u2019s salary \u2014 from $21,995 to $50,000 annually \u2014 a debate that was tabled in April pending a joint work session with the Charter Commission. Whoever wins the mayor\u2019s race this November will inherit the outcome of that debate, as well as the city\u2019s ongoing work on housing, public safety, and economic development.<\/p>\n
How to file for mayor<\/p>\n
To run for mayor, candidates must:<\/p>\n
\u2022 File an Affidavit of Candidacy with the City Clerk<\/p>\n
\u2022 Gather a petition signed by 75 registered voters who live in the city (signatures may only be collected during the May 19 \u2013 June 2 filing window)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Pay a $75 filing fee<\/p>\n
\u2022 Provide proof of residence at time of filing<\/p>\n
How to file for city council<\/p>\n
To run for a council seat, candidates must:<\/p>\n
\u2022 File an Affidavit of Candidacy with the City Clerk<\/p>\n
\u2022 Gather a petition signed by 25 registered voters from your specific representative district (signatures may only be collected during the filing window)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Pay a $25 filing fee<\/p>\n
\u2022 Provide proof of residence at time of filing<\/p>\n
Eligibility requirements<\/p>\n
All candidates for mayor or council must be a United States citizen, eligible to vote in Minnesota, at least 21 years of age upon assuming office, a Brooklyn Park resident for at least 30 days before the general election, and able to provide proof of residence when filing.<\/p>\n
Primary and general election<\/p>\n
If more than two candidates file for any single seat \u2014 mayor or a specific council district \u2014 a city primary election will be held to narrow the field to two finalists for the November general election. The primary date has not yet been set but follows standard Hennepin County election procedures.<\/p>\n
Withdrawal deadline<\/p>\n
Candidates who change their minds after filing must submit an Affidavit of Withdrawal with the City Clerk by Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 5 p.m. No withdrawals are permitted after that date.<\/p>\n