KROX continues its 2026 election coverage with an introduction to the candidates running for Crookston Mayor. The candidates include Erik Ellingson, Trista Halland, Morgan Hibma, Bishop Jensen, and Kristie Jerde. David Rendon has dropped out of the race.
KROX asked each candidate a series of questions and have included their responses below.
Tell us about yourself and your family.
Ellingson: “My name is Erik Ellingson. I’ve been married for 30 years to Mary Ellingson and have two kids.”
Halland: “I’m Trista Halland. I have no spouse or kids.”
Hibma: “I’mMorgan Hibma, My husband is Tom Hibma, and my son is Mason.”
Jensen: “Hi, my name is Bishop Jensen. I am currently in a committed relationship, but unmarried. I don’t have any children of my own at this time, but I do have quite a few nieces and nephews that I partake in their lives, and as well as friends that have children that I partake in their lives.”
Jerde: “My name is Kristie Jerde, and I have two children, Nora and William Jerde.”
Why did you decide to run for Mayor of Crookston?
Ellingson: “I filed for mayor after moving back, after being in the service for over 20 years, coming back to my hometown of Crookston, and seeing a need for stronger government. I’m placing myself in the ring for people to select so that I can serve again, not just in the military, but for the Crookston community.”
Halland: “I figured Crookston kind of needs a change right about now, and let’s get those younger kids interested in politics, and hopefully we can make that change happen.”
Hibma: “I’m running for mayor because I feel like we have great momentum in Crookston right now, and I would like to see many of the projects that we’ve started completed. They are projects that will take a couple years to get there, and I feel like I have the experience within leadership, both professionally and with council, to help bring those together and all the people that are needed to bring it together.”
Jensen: “I filed to run for mayor on three base platforms: fiscal responsibility, ethics, and local governance, as well as the critical criteria of our community services being prioritized over development.”
Jerde: “That’s a great question. So I’ve sat on the city council for the last five years, and due to a move, unfortunately, I did have to step down, but I really am passionate about the city. I’m a big advocate of us moving and growing forward, and you’ll see that in my track record in voting. I also am a pretty huge advocate, not only at the city level but at the state level. And most recently, having sat on the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, as well as testifying in front of the transportation committee to get us an additional $2.7 million for our Highway 2 corridor project, and I’d really like to see those types of things move forward, and I think that would be as a good reason to kind of be in a position that not only advocates but also kind of is the mouthpiece at times for the city.”
What previous experiences, either personally or professionally, do you have that would help you if you are elected?
Ellingson: “Well, after over 20 years in the military, United States Air Force, basically each base is like a small town, like Crookston is the same size. I was part of the governing offices, as well as a police officer, and also as a community service member there. Basically, we ran a small town just like Crookston, and I believe all of that can be turned into the civilian side to serve Crookston.”
Halland: “I haven’t run for office previously, but I believe that my position currently with Polk County Social Services will help me with the public and just kind of better relate to everybody that is out there and that will be looking to vote.”
Hibma: “I have been on city council since 2023. I am the council member at large. I am also the vice mayor since 2025. I serve on the park board and have been with the EDA. I am also on different boards throughout the community, focusing on childcare, family development, and our downtown development. There, professionally, I’m the marketing director over at Rydell. There, I focus a lot on strategic planning, budgeting, working with different people, bringing different groups of people together to help them reach their goals.”
Jensen: “I have an extensive background in business experience directly, as well as management. I also have an extensive background in public relations. I’m often a public liaison for people that don’t really have places to turn to. In this, I have been encouraged to run for mayor by many. They see the value that I carry in being able to come forward with information that is valuable and critical to choices made.”
Jerde: “So I think that we do a great job of really moving forward a lot of initiatives that we’ve had in this past. But I also think that there’s a lot of opportunity and room for improvement when it comes to streamlining processes, to onboarding and educating our council, and I think that’s really going to help with how we go forward in the conversations that we have as a city.”
Is there anything else that you want the voters to know about you?
Ellingson: “I’m a hometown boy, the son of Norman and Amy Ellingson, longtime teachers in District 593. My wife and kids have made Crookston their home. My kids are currently attending UMC at this time and working for UMC, so we’re here for forever now. This is our home. This is our return home.”
Halland: “Think about what’s best for you and vote based off of that.”
Hibma: “I would just like the voters to know that I’m here for them. My goal is to bring Crookston and just continue to grow and progress. That I have a plan between housing, economic development, young families, childcare. I know those are all issues that we face. And you can learn more about my plan at www.morganforcrookstonmayor.com.”
Jensen: “A vote for Jensen is a vote for transparency, clarity, and proper decision making based upon ethics and value for the community of Crookston, and putting services over reckless spending and development.”
Jerde: “If you’re looking for a strong advocate and somebody who’s not afraid to ask the hard questions, I would suggest voting for me.”
