JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Stutsman County Commission Chairman Mark Klose, marking his 10th term and 40th year as a county commissioner, announced his decision not to seek reelection before the county commission meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

With his announcement, Klose underscored the importance of allowing potential candidates sufficient time to deliberate on running for county commission. Three seats on the Stutsman County Commission, presently occupied by Klose, Joan Morris, and Levi Taylor, will be contested in the upcoming election cycle.

While Klose and Morris hold four-year terms, Taylor’s seat, which he assumed after Commissioner Steve Cichos’ death, will appear on a separate ballot line. Cichos, reelected in November 2022, passed away in August of 2023, leading to Taylor’s appointment. His seat will next be up for election in 2026.

In the electoral process, the top four vote-getters for the positions held by Klose and Morris will advance to the general election scheduled for Nov. 5. Similarly, the top two candidates vying for Taylor’s seat will progress to the same election.

To participate, prospective candidates must return completed petitions by 4 p.m. on Monday, April 8.