The latest on Minnesota's 2025 election

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Bob Johnson, a longtime St. Cloud nonprofit leader, won a special election for a vacant seat on the Stearns County Board of Commissioners.

He defeated Amin Ali, a youth soccer coach, community advocate and housing program director. 

Johnson was executive director of CentraCare’s Heart and Vascular Center for 23 years. He also led the Paramount Center for the Arts in St. Cloud for nine years, and served three terms on the St. Cloud City Council.

Johnson will fill the District 4 seat left vacant when longtime commissioner Leigh Lenzmeier resigned in April after 34 years on the board. District 4 encompasses the city of Waite Park and parts of St. Cloud.

Johnson will serve through the remainder of Lenzmeier’s term, which ends in December 2026. He cited affordability, health care and safety as his top priorities.

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Kirsti Marohn

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Bob Johnson defeated Amin Ali in a special election for a vacant seat on the Stearns County Board of Commissioners.

A man stands behind a sign that reads "Bob Johnson."

Bob Johnson wins election for Stearns County commissioner seat

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