NEW ULM – On Nov. 3, New Ulm will have three seats on the city council up for election, but only two of the incumbents plan to file for re-elections.

The election filing period for the 2026 general election began Tuesday. Any candidate who wants to be on the ballot for county, state and federal offices must file an affidavit of candidacy before 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2.

In New Ulm, the position of Mayor, Ward 2 City Councilor and Ward 4 City Councilor will be on the ballot.

Mayor Kathleen Backer announced Tuesday that she plans to file candidacy for re-election. Backer was first elected as mayor in 2022.

Ward 2 City Councilor Eric Warmka has also confirmed he plans to file candidacy for another term. Warmka was initially appointed to the council in late 2020 to fill former councilor Lisa Fischer’s unexpired term. He was elected to his first full term in 2022.

Ward 4 City Councilor Larry Mack announced he will not be running for re-election this fall. Mack was first elected to the city council in Nov. 2014 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022. Mack is currently the longest serving member of the city council, but after 2026 New Ulm will need a new Ward 4 councilor.

As of Thursday, no additional candidates have filed for any of the New Ulm seats.

Candidates wishing to file candidacy in the New Ulm election must submit an affidavit at City Hall before the closing of the filing period at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2. All city candidates must be eligible to vote in Minnesota, be at least 21 years; have maintained residence in the city or ward at least 30 days before the general election.