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Incumbent Freeborn County 1st District Commissioner Brad Edwin defeated challenger Julie Ackland Tuesday in what was a rematch of the same race from two years ago.

Edwin received 1,813 votes, or 63.13%, while Ackland received 1,055 votes, or 36.73%. There were four write-in votes, which equated to 0.14%.

In 2022, Edwin received 1,452 votes, or 60.1%, and Ackland received 952 votes, or 39.4%, and there were 12 write-ins.

Edwin, a lifelong Freeborn County resident, has served in local government for four years. He said he is excited with the election results not only for Freeborn County, but for the state and federal levels as well.

“I want to continue with the progress we’ve made,” Edwin said. “I think it’s very important that we as elected officials, especially at the local level, represent the people who have elected us, and we’re mindful of the tax dollars we spend, and we try to do things in the most efficient and effective way we can. And a big part of that is making sure that our department heads and administration are aware of those things, and we work on budgets that keep that all in mind.”

Edwin thanked all of his supporters and said he is greatly appreciative of those who ran for local office and those who came to the polls to vote.

Ackland, a family housing specialist, said while she is disappointed with the election results, she would be interested in possibly running for office again in the future. She also thanked her supporters and those who campaigned for her and for the Democratic Party.

3rd District

Newcomer Lukas Severson, who ran unopposed, will become the 3rd District commissioner after receiving 1,959 votes. There were 23 write-ins.

He will replace current 3rd District Commissioner John Forman, who is not seeking re-election.

Severson said he is optimistic about the future.

“I’m really looking forward to prioritizing fiscal responsibility, efficient governance and just working towards fostering economic growth and opportunity,” he said.

Though he has not served as a commissioner prior to this election, he previously served as Freeborn County GOP vice chairman in 2021 and was the Freeborn County GOP’s junior vice chairman in the 2024 election.

Like the other candidates, Severson also expressed gratitude for those who supported him during his campaign. He said people have already begun coming to him with concerns and ideas.

“I’m just really honored to have this opportunity to serve our community, and I’m eager to begin,” he said.

 

5th District

Fifth District Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom, who also ran unopposed, was re-elected to a second term.

She received 2,880 votes, and there were 22 write-in votes.

Eckstrom said she is eager to get to work with the other commissioners in advancing Freeborn County.

“I’d like to get in a county administrator that stays with the county and leads us towards more successful businesses and economic opportunity and revising some of our policies in bringing them more up to date,” she said. “I really want to thank the community members for voting for me, and their confidence to represent them. And I’ll continue to work with my fellow board members on behalf of all Freeborn County residents.”

 

See more election results here.