2026 Elections: Washington County Board of Commissioners

Two candidates each are running for the Washington County Board of Commissioners District 2 and 5 seats in November’s election.

In the race for the Washington County Board District 2 seat, incumbent Stan Karwoski is being challenged by Edison Vizuete.

In District 5, Brian McCoy and Simi Patnaik have filed to run for the open seat after Commissioner Michelle Clasen announced that she would not seek reelection.

General information about the Nov. 3, 2026, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting .

District 2

Stan Karwoski

Age: 69

What would your top priorities be if elected?

1) Safe Communities and Water – Crime Prevention and Protecting Water Sources. 2) Disciplined Smart Budgeting and Investments that improve Washington County. 3) Strong jobs, workforce development, retention, and business growth environment.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

My proven elected experience: Elected Oakdale Mayor in 2014, served as Mayor through 2016 when elected to the Washington Board of Commissioners, District 2 in a special election in 2016 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022. Also, elected to the Oakdale City Council serving 2001-2014. My start in public service was appointment to the Oakdale Planning & Park Commission in mid-1990’s. Some accomplishments as Commissioner: Gold Line BRT completed – 1st Washington County Transit Project, on time, under budget. Hadley-36 Interchange. Workforce Initiatives and Career Pathways Development. New Mahtomedi Wildwood County Branch Library. New Rebuilt East County Line Road. New Downtown Mahtomedi/Willernie County 12 Road Rebuild. Century/120 Coalition Formation of 8 Cities. New County Service Center Development in Woodbury. Secured Funds for: 36-Manning Interchange, New Bielenberg and 4th Bridges. New Rebuild of County 13 (Ideal Ave). Funding Career Pathways and Businesses Post Covid Growth Initiatives. Also, my life experiences: Born and raised in St. Paul, lived in Oakdale since 1987. Married to Linda 47 years, four adult children, six grandchildren. Retired 38+ year employee of Graco, Inc., Principal Designer – awarded nine invention patents.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

Public Safety/Law and Order – Without question providing a safe community to live and work is essential. This centers around an effective Sheriff’s Office and related services. I have a proven record of supporting strong and effective public safety.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

It’s important to be open-minded when working with people. I listen and ask questions to understand other points of view. I pride myself on taking time and interest to learn from other perspectives and experiences. The best way forward on a decision is when you include others input.

Website or contact information: stankarwoskicommissioner.com

Edison Vizuete

Age: 68

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Revive the focus on residential development rather than large commercial and apartment complexes Only fund land easements and land and water conservation initiatives using State of Minnesota grants and/or Metropolitan Council grants. Properly staff and manage the licensing centers. Streamline services at licensing centers and social services programs. Create a fund to support Washington County college graduates starting businesses in the County.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I have passion for government finances, efficiencies and budgeting. I have worked in government finances and strategic operations across county, state, and federal governments. I served as Washington County’s Finance Director for eight years and as the county Budget Analyst for two years. My background also includes 10 years at the State of North Dakota as a Budget Analyst for the Office of the Governor, finally, I worked for16 years for the US Department of Agriculture as a Supervisory Management Analyst and Section Chief. I also worked for Deloitte as a Senior Consultant for the Public Sector. All these experiences demanded analytical skills and approaching citizens needs with their best interest in mind and the best plans for communities’ present and future.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

To provide quality services in an equitable manner so that citizens enjoy life in the community. Set short and long-term visions and goals so that the future will be great for upcoming generations. Taxing based on necessities not in the needs of political sponsors and small interest groups. It is concerning that 55% of County residents feel that the County does not listen to them and 50% feel that they are not getting the services they pay for in property taxes. The County has engaged in initiatives that are a WASTE of taxpayers funds, such is the $.5 billion Gold Bus Lane, water easement purchases that only benefit a few landowners from the North part of the County. County services at the Licensing Centers are deficient requiring taxpayers to take off work and it takes hours before receiving services, Social Services are so deficient that it takes many senior citizens months to be serviced. Government leaders must listen to their constituents and must identify real needs with knowledge and listening to all not just to a few activists or interest groups;: only then there will be transparency and efficiency, this is a primary role of government.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

It is important to incorporate in your ideas and projects assumptions the ideas and aspirations of all, often I find that ideas not considered initially because they differ from mine are very valuable. Often those ideas reshape original perceptions and visions result in better outcomes. Unfortunately, Washington County Board has been directed by a group of elitist leaders who respond better to the interest of small groups such as chambers of commerce, rotary and lions clubs whose interests are small in scope and reduced in participation. My goal is to include a greater participation of County residents to reach a leadership transformation.

Website or contact information: EdisonVizuete.com

District 5

Brian McCoy

No response provided

Simi Patnaik

Age: 51

What would your top priorities be if elected?

1. Fiscal Responsibility and Long-Term Financial Stability: My top priority is fiscal responsibility and budget management. Washington County currently has the third-lowest tax burden in the state, and has a history of commissioners being prudent stewards of taxpayer money to ensure long-term stability and certainty for residents. Federal and state budget cuts will hit the county starting in 2027. We need pragmatic, experienced leadership on the budget to ensure we use our dollars as effectively as possible – including making careful spending decisions, seeking grant funding, pursuing public-private partnerships, and thinking creatively to ensure our dollars go as far as possible. 2. Affordable Housing and Economic Development: Affordable housing and economic development are deeply interconnected. Woodbury and Washington County residents have shared that affordable housing remains one of their top concerns, and employers have shared affordable housing is critical for a vibrant economy. The county participates through housing assistance programs; supporting workforce housing; partnering with developers; and creating programs that help first-time homebuyers and seniors remain in their communities. Going forward, I will advocate for the county to lobby for increased resources; foster partnerships with landlords and other local governments; and support innovative approaches to increase housing supply. 3. Infrastructure and Community Investments: Infrastructure – roads, libraries, public facilities, parks – are critical to a healthy community. Solid infrastructure is the foundation of the county’s quality of life and a springboard for economic growth. I support infrastructure investments that help residents access jobs, healthcare, and essential services. As our current infrastructure ages, the county must carefully balance maintenance and improvements with the impact on taxpayers. I will advocate for the careful prioritization of capital projects while leveraging state and federal resources, and work in close coordination with other local governments to maximize impact.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I am passionate about local government and its role as a way to make people’s lives better. County government impacts our lives daily. I have lived in Woodbury for 24 years, and have spent the last two decades rooted in this community, volunteering, building relationships, and bringing people together to get things done. For the past seven years, I have served on the South Washington County School Board, where I have gained significant experience in strategic planning; budgeting and finance; policy making; and community engagement. Prior to my election, I was an active volunteer in the schools, including on the district’s finance and budget committee; as PTO president; on referendum committees; and as a parent advocate at the State Capitol. My public service is not limited to education: I chair the Washington County Library Board, have served as a Washington County election judge, and am an active community volunteer, leading the Woodbury Thrives health and wellness collaborative and chairing the Woodbury Community Garden. Through these roles, I have partnered closely with Washington County, the City of Woodbury, community organizations, businesses, and residents to solve problems, strengthen relationships, and improve our community.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

Government exists to foster the public good, especially in ways that are impossible or impractical for people to provide for themselves. At the county level, this includes public safety, human services, regional infrastructure, public health, and promoting a strong local economy. Government works best when it is responsive to community needs, responsible with community resources, and results-oriented. That means listening to residents, using taxpayer dollars wisely, creating policies based on good information, and building partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, and other community stakeholders. Effective government should bring people together to improve people’s quality of life.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

Good government starts with listening. I ask questions in an effort to understand people’s perspectives, and look to grasp their underlying experiences and concerns. Listening to voters and asking them questions is an essential way to ensure I learn about what is truly important to the community. Just like in my school board runs, I am running without party support, which means that I am knocking on doors of all voters, not just those who may agree with me. The wide variety of concerns and points of view I hear help me better understand the community as a whole. Lastly, I believe good leaders are willing to change their minds. I am always willing to reconsider my stances when people make a better argument or show me new information. Even if I do not ultimately agree with someone, I want them to feel I have listened to them and treated them with respect.

Website or contact information: votesimi.com