School board races were a “bright spot” for candidates backed by the Minnesota Parents Alliance on election night, according to the organization, which reported victories in more than half of the districts represented in its 2026 voter guide.
“School boards are the bright spots at the bottom of the ballot!” the organization wrote on X Wednesday morning. “Candidates in 55% of districts represented in our Voter Guide won their race! Congratulations to all the candidates!”
The Minnesota Parents Alliance PAC endorsed candidates in more than 50 school districts across the state. The organization says its PAC supports school board candidates who share its priorities of putting students first, raising academic standards, and restoring excellence in Minnesota public schools.
“Minnesota Parents Alliance is a statewide grassroots organization committed to putting students first and ensuring every child receives a high-quality education grounded in academic excellence. We equip parents, school board candidates, and community leaders to advocate effectively for student achievement, transparency, and accountability in public education,” the organization’s website says.
Several MPA-endorsed candidates emerged as winners in unofficial results Tuesday night.
Brainerd slate sweeps three seats
In Brainerd, all three Minnesota Parents Alliance-backed candidates — DJ Dondelinger, Mark Lelwica, and Randy Heidmann — finished in the top three for three available school board seats. Dondelinger received 10,610 votes, Lelwica received 8,400, and Heidmann received 7,868.
The three candidates campaigned together as a self-described “common sense trifecta,” according to KAXE. Dondelinger and Heidmann were seeking reelection, while Lelwica was elected alongside them.
MPA-backed candidates win in Forest Lake
Minnesota Parents Alliance endorsed Mike Belz, Curt Rebelein Jr. and Sean Thomas in the Forest Lake Area School District.
Belz and Thomas won two of the district’s three open seats, according to unofficial Minnesota Secretary of State results. Belz led the six-candidate field with 10,925 votes, while Thomas finished third with 9,429 votes. Board member Jill Christenson won the other seat with 10,660 votes. Rebelein, the current chair of the board, did not win reelection. Left-wing candidate Clare Luger did not win her election.
Lakeville and Elk River
In Lakeville, MPA-backed incumbent Brian Thompson won reelection, while Angie Skavnak, also featured in MPA’s voter guide, won a seat on the board.
Lakeville Area Schools reported that Carly Anderson, Laura Fangel, Thompson and Skavnak won the four available seats. Thompson received 12.94% of the vote, and Skavnak received 12.45%, according to the district’s unofficial results.
MPA-backed incumbent Mindy Freiberg also won reelection to the Elk River Area School District board. ISD 728 reported Wednesday that Freiberg defeated challenger Sam Carley.
The results were not a sweep for MPA-backed candidates.
In Hastings, endorsed candidates Carrie Tate and Jessica Dressely finished outside the top three. Tate received 5,921 votes, 47 fewer than third-place finisher Kendal Larson, according to Minnesota Secretary of State results.
In Rochester, MPA-backed candidate Flora Howie received 15,581, or 9.21% of the vote and did not finish among the four winning candidates.
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s website lists the Nov. 3 school district results as unofficial.
Symone Harms
Symone Harms is a Media Production and Business Marketing student at Bethel University. She is actively involved in The Royals Investment Fund, The 25, theatre, and other leadership positions. She also cohosts Rooted, a podcast dedicated to being rooted in truth, growing in freedom, and prospering in life. A Minnesota native with a passion for storytelling and digital media, she aspires to a career in broadcasting as a news anchor and reporter.
