How often is Trial Court Judge elected?

The position of Trial Court Judge is typically elected every 6 years.

What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?

Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation on the ballot.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Minnesota?

Filing fee: $300 or 500 signatures in Petition in Place of Filing Fee. Candidates must also submit an affidavit of candidacy to the Secretary of State, or to the county auditor of the county in which the candidate resides.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.

Where is the filing office?

180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55155

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 877-600-8683.

How do I get started running for Trial Court Judge?

You can start running for Trial Court Judge by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for Trial Court Judge does not include a primary or runoff election.

Trial Court Judge in Minnesota

Candidates for Trial Court Judge

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Who's currently in office

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What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Are you ready for Minnesota's next election?

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About Trial Court Judge

About this position

This District or Circuit Court Judge is responsible for adjudicating cases in Civil and Criminal Courts at the trial-level.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 6 years
Typical salary: $149,605/year
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Nonpartisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for Trial Court Judge

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
A candidate must be eligible to vote in Minnesota and have maintained residence in their district for at least 30 days before the general election. Candidates must be between 21-70 years of age. Candidates must be licensed to practice law in MN, and must have not filed for any other office at the upcoming primary or general election.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee: $300 or 500 signatures in Petition in Place of Filing Fee. Candidates must also submit an affidavit of candidacy to the Secretary of State, or to the county auditor of the county in which the candidate resides.
Filing period
May 19, 2026 - June 2, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.
Where to file
180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55155
Filing phone
877-600-8683
Step 3
Launch your campaign
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Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

Trial Court Judge in Minnesota

On the ballot

Candidates for Trial Court Judge

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Minnesota's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About Trial Court Judge

About this position

Election type

How to run for Trial Court Judge

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for Judge

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About this guide

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