List of mayors of Minot, North Dakota facts for kids

Minot, North Dakota, is a city that has been led by many different mayors throughout its history. A mayor is like the main leader of a city. They help make important decisions, manage city services, and work to make the city a better place for everyone who lives there. This article shares information about some of the people who have served as mayor of Minot.

What Does a Mayor Do?

A mayor is an important public official who leads the local government of a city or town. Think of them as the chief executive of the city. Their job involves many different responsibilities, such as:

• Overseeing city departments like police, fire, and public works.
• Working with the city council to create and pass new laws or rules for the city.
• Managing the city's budget, which is how the city spends its money.
• Representing the city at events and to other governments.
• Helping to plan for the city's future, including new buildings, parks, and services.

Mayors are usually elected by the people who live in the city. They serve for a specific period, called a term.

A Look at Minot's Past Mayors

Minot has had many leaders since it was founded. Here are some of the people who have served as mayor, helping to shape the city over the years.

• James H. Scofield was the very first mayor of Minot, serving from 1887 to 1888.
• Edmund Belvea followed, leading the city from 1888 to 1890.
• Allan Tompkins had a longer term, from 1890 to 1896.
• Peter P. Lee was mayor from 1896 to 1898.
• Christopher A. Johnson served from 1898 to 1902.
• Joseph Roach was mayor from 1902 to 1904.
• David C. Greenleaf and Sam H. Clark both served from 1904 to 1907.
• Arthur LeSueur was mayor from 1909 to May 17, 1911. He was a member of the Socialist Party.
• F. L. Sherman was an acting mayor for a short time in 1911.
• Halvor L. Halvorson served from June 20, 1911, to 1915. He was a Democrat.
• William S. Shaw was mayor from 1915 to 1921.
• Winfield M. Smart led the city from 1921 to 1925.
• Jack A. Patterson was mayor from 1932 to 1938. He was a Republican.
• Victor E. Sandberg served from 1938 to 1945.
• Henry C. Kiehn was mayor from 1953 to 1954.
• W. Maurice Harrington served from 1954 to 1962.
• Clarence D. Johnson was mayor from 1962 to 1970.
• Chester Reiten had two terms, first from 1970 to 1982, and then again from 1984 to 1986.
• Thomas Oliver Lee served between Reiten's terms, from 1982 to 1984.
• George Christensen was mayor from 1988 to 1996.
• Orlin W. Backes served from 1996 to 1998.
• Carroll Erickson was mayor from 1998 to 2002.
• Curt Zimbelman had a long term, from 2002 to 2014.
• Chuck Barney served from 2014 to 2018.
• Shaun Sipma was mayor from 2018 to 2022. He was a Republican.
• Tom Ross served as mayor from 2022 until April 1, 2025.
• Mark Jantzer became the acting mayor on April 1, 2025, and is currently serving.

Images for kids

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  Arthur LeSueur, mayor from 1909 to 1911.

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  Halvor L. Halvorson, mayor from 1911 to 1915.

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  Jack A. Patterson, mayor from 1932 to 1938.

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  Shaun Sipma, mayor from 2018 to 2022.