Candidate Information

The City of Buffalo's elected City Council includes a Mayor and four City Council Members. The Mayor is elected to a two-year term and City Council Members are elected to four-year terms.

2026 Important Dates

  • Coming Soon

Candidate Qualifications

  • Must be eligible to vote in Minnesota
  • Must have not filed for another office at the upcoming primary or general election
  • Must be 21 years of age or more upon assuming office
  • Must have maintained residence in the City of Buffalo for at least 30 days before the general election

Candidate Filings

Local filings for the 2024 general election will be open on July 30 at 8 am and will close on August 13 at 5 pm. A filing fee of $5.00 is due at the time of filing the Affidavit of Candidacy. Your name will appear on the ballot exactly as you write it in the top box of the Affidavit of Candidacy. The Municipal Candidate Information Guide gives general information about Buffalo, candidate filing, financial reporting and specific election related dates. On page 2 is a link to the Secretary of State's website which provides all the forms and information needed to file for office and to administer your campaign. Candidate packets are available at the City Center, 212 Central Avenue during regular business hours or by contacting the City Clerk at elections@ci.buffalo.mn.us 

Financial Reporting

While campaigning and preparing for  this election, you must ensure that your financial reports are current and that you are filing all required reports with the City Clerk. 

City of Buffalo General Election Candidates Set

Filing information for the 2026 elections coming soon.

Mayor Two-Year Term 

Candidate Name                                                

City Council (2) Four-Year Term 

Candidate Name                           

*Candidates listed in alphabetical order by last name. List will be updated as Candidate Affidavits are received. 

 Candidate information can be found on the MN Secretary of State’s website. You can search by office or candidate name. MN Secretary of State Candidate Filings

 The General Election will be held on November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 7:00 AM-8:00 PM. Polling locations can be found at City of Buffalo Precinct Locations

Expiration of Terms

  • Mayor Steve Downer                              12/31/2026
  • Council Member Brad Dahl                  12/31/2026
  • Council Member Erin Walsh                 12/31/2026
  • Council Member Sheila Crawford      12/31/2028
  • Council Member George Fantauzza   12/31/2028