Kossuth County Candidates
June 2nd Primary Election
Republican Primary Election
June 2nd 2026
2026 Iowa Republican Primary
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Iowa Senate District 5 Candidates
Stacy Besch
Stacy Besch
2026 .
Iowa Standard Interview with Stacy Besch *
*The Iowa Standard invited David Rowley to participate in a Senate District 5 debate, but Senator Rowley declined due to health issues. Therefore, the interview was conducted solely with District 5 Primary challenger, Stacy Besch.
Iowa House District 9 Candidate
Iowa House District 10 Candidate
Kossuth County Candidates
Kossuth County Recorder Candidate
Karen Benschoter - Incumbent
2026.
My name is Karen Benschoter, and I am proud to serve as the Kossuth County Recorder. I was first elected to this office in 1995, and it has been an honor to serve the people of Kossuth County for so many years. Being able to support our residents through my work continues to be one of the top priorities of my office.
I am a proud member of the Iowa County Recorders Association, and I am also a Certified Recorder, which reflects my commitment to maintaining strong professional standards. I regularly attend continuing education seminars to stay current with changes in law, technology, and best practices, ensuring that our office provides the most accurate and efficient service possible.
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I am grateful to be working alongside such capable and dedicated staff. They bring knowledge, patience, and genuine care to the office every day. I am grateful for the pride they take in their work and the support they provide for our office.
Karen Benschoter
Phone: 515-295-5660
​From the beginning, I’ve believed that every interaction matters. Whether someone comes in with a quick question or needs help navigating an important life event, I want them to feel listened to and cared for. My role is about much more than records — it’s about helping people feel supported during moments that often carry personal significance.
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I value organization, honesty, and genuine connection. I enjoy getting to know the people I serve and being part of a community where neighbors still look out for one another. The relationships I’ve built over the years have become just as important to me as the work itself.
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I always welcome community members to visit our office. I truly enjoy the opportunity to show people what we do, explain the services we provide, and answer any questions they may have.
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Outside the office, I stay involved in the community and appreciate the small-town warmth that makes Kossuth County such a special place. I am always looking for opportunities to grow, learn, and serve in the best way possible.
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I am truly grateful to serve as your Kossuth County Recorder, and I appreciate your vote to continue to support the people of Kossuth County.
Kossuth County Attorney Candidate
Todd M. Holmes - Incumbent
2026.
County Attorney Candidate Bio
Todd M. Holmes
Kossuth County Treasurer Candidate
Constance A. Ludwig
2026.
My name is Constance (Connie) Ludwig, and I am running for the position of Kossuth County Treasurer. Currently, I work directly under the Treasurer, Nick Rahm, as the Property Tax Deputy. I have held this position for four years and have worked in the Treasurer’s office in the property tax department for 26 ½ years. My background working in the Treasurer's office, as well as my recent experience working directly under the Treasurer, makes me a great candidate for this position.
I was born and raised in Algona and graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern
Constance Ludwig
Iowa. My husband and I have lived in Algona for thirty-two years. We have one daughter who is a sophomore in college. Outside of work, I like to be involved with the community. I have served on the Parks and Recreation Commission for the City of Algona for 17 years. Additionally, I volunteer with the City of Algona, Water’s Edge Nature Center, and the local swim team.
The County Treasurer is the recipient of all monies payable to the County, and acts as the central depository for all County Departments/Offices. This duty demands that the County Treasurer disburse, manage, and invest the funds in its possession. The County Treasurer reports these activities to the County Board of Supervisors and serves as an agent of the State of Iowa by providing motor vehicle and driver’s license services. The goal of the County Treasurer’s Office is to perform our duties and responsibilities as stated in the Code of Iowa while providing quality and courteous customer service in all our departments-Property tax, Motor Vehicle, and Driver’s License. I have experience of managing all these duties, as I guided the department when the Treasurer was unavailable. Additionally, my extensive tenure in the Treasurer's Office has exposed me to many of these tasks, including assisting with collection, supervision, and briefing.
1st District Supervisor Candidates
Bruce Pfeffer
2026.
Bruce Pfeffer
I am running for District 1 County Supervisor, because I would like to do my civic duty and serve the people of Kossuth County. It is my goal to be a prudent steward of county assets and to provide increased fiscal transparency and accountability. I am committed to preserving our rural values for the families of Kossuth County and I want to encourage economic growth to sustain and support a vibrant rural lifestyle for our future. As a lifelong resident of Kossuth County, I would like to share some life experiences that help qualify me for this position of trust.
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I worked road construction for Everads Brothers Algona for six years after HS graduation. As a result of this work, I am very familiar with primary and secondary roads in Kossuth County. During the 80’s farm crisis, I moved to Houston for one year and returned to Iowa as a commercial contract driver for Smithways Motor Xpress (SMX). I provided services as an over-the-road commercial driver/trainer across North America for well over 30 years. Engaging in business operations as a driver/trainer was a growing experience for me. I was responsible for operational
Phone: 515-320-2622
procedures and training personnel. I learned to work with many personalities and problem solve on a daily basis. I managed and balanced budgeting issues related to the costs of equipment, insurance, and other business expenses while complying with contractual requirements for operating in both the US & Canada. I dealt with Customs, the USDA and Canadian food safety regulations, and other compliance issues while employed win Monson & Sons.
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Since retiring from the trucking industry, I have been actively involved in the Wesley community and have assisted my neighbors with farming operations. I am a member of the Farm Bureau. I have also been actively involved in my church and I have held leadership roles serving the #952 Knights of Columbus. I believe teamwork is essential to successful leadership.
District 1 is a large geographic area which is equal in size to many Iowa counties. I would appreciate your support and I am asking for your vote in the June 2nd Primary election. Early voting at the County Courthouse begins on May 13th. Election day is Tuesday June 2nd.
Mike Genrich
2026.
Candidate Bio
Mike Genrich
3rd District Supervisor Candidates
Gary David Miller
2026.
Hi my name is Gary Miller. My wife Sarah are I are life long residents of Kossuth County. I graduated from Sentral of Fenton High School in 1982. I owned & operated my own Semi for six years, hauling seed corn for Pioneer out of Algona. For the last 26 years I have managed the Lawn & Garden business at Buscher Bros. I have 2 grown children, Jen & David and 5 Grandchildren.
I am running for 3rd District Supervisor. I feel I have the skills, knowledge and leadership it takes to be a good Supervisor for the people of the 3rd
Gary David Miller
Phone: 515-341-2947
District. I feel we need more transparency and communication with the citizens of the county.
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Kossuth County is a great place to live. I feel there is no better place to raise a family. I would like Kossuth County to continue to be that place. ​
I would appreciate your support at the polls on June 2nd for the PRIMARY ELECTION.
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Thanks,
Gary Miller
Christopher Zinnel
2026.
Candidate Bio
Christopher Zinnel
4th District Supervisor Candidates
Barry Boland
2026.
Barry Boland is a lifelong resident of Kossuth County with deep roots in the community he loves. A graduate of North Kossuth High School, Barry has built his life and career around the values of hard work, service, and commitment to others.
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After high school, Barry proudly served his country in the United States Navy. His time in the Navy instilled in him the principles of integrity, leadership, and teamwork; qualities that have shaped his life and his approach to problem-solving.​
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Upon returning to Kossuth County, Barry joined the family business, Bob Boland Ford, which his parents founded in 1982. Over the years, Barry helped continue the dealership’s tradition of honest service and strong customer relationships, cementing its reputation as a trusted
Barry Boland
local business. Today, Barry is a co-owner of Lucky Wife Wine Slushies Franchises, an innovative small business that brings a unique product and experience to the community.
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Upon returning to Kossuth County, Barry joined the family business, Bob Boland Ford, which his parents founded in 1982. Over the years, Barry helped continue the dealership’s tradition of honest service and strong customer relationships, cementing its reputation as a trusted local business. Today, Barry is a co-owner of Lucky Wife Wine Slushies Franchises, an innovative small business that brings a unique product and experience to the community.
As both a veteran and a small business owner, Barry understands the challenges and opportunities facing Kossuth County families, farmers, and entrepreneurs. He believes in fostering a strong local economy, supporting the county’s infrastructure, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
Barry has always believed in giving back to the community that has given him so much. He has volunteered his time and expertise with numerous local organizations and continues to be a familiar face at county events and initiatives.
As County Supervisor, Barry will be a strong, steady voice for Kossuth County residents. He is committed to listening to the concerns of his neighbors, making informed and fair decisions, and preserving the county’s proud rural heritage while planning for the future.
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Barry Boland is asking for your support and your vote to help keep Kossuth County strong.
Rodney Beenken
2026.
Candidate Bio
Rodney Beenken
April 28th, 2026 Kossuth County Supervisor Primary Candidate Forum sponsored by the Algona Association of University Women, the Algona Radio Station, and the Algona Public Library.
Important Primary Election Dates for Voters
​March 24th -
1st day to request Absentee Ballot
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​May 18th by 5:00 PM -
Last day to request Absentee Ballot to be mailed
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May 13th thru June 1st –
Early Voting at the Courthouse
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June 2nd –
Absentee Ballot must be in Auditor’s office by close of polls at 8pm
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Tuesday, June 2nd -
Polls are open 7am-8pm
Poll Finder
Voting is one of the simplest ways people can influence how their society is run. It’s not just a right in many countries—it’s also a practical tool for shaping decisions that affect everyday life.
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At a basic level, voting lets you choose leaders and policies. Governments make decisions about things like education, healthcare, taxes, infrastructure, and rights. By voting, you have a say in who makes those decisions and what priorities they pursue.
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It also serves as a way to hold leaders accountable. If elected officials perform poorly or ignore public concerns, voters can replace them. Without that mechanism, power can become disconnected from the people it’s supposed to serve.
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There’s also a collective aspect. Even though a single vote may feel small, large numbers of people participating create legitimacy for the system. High participation signals that outcomes reflect the public’s will, while low turnout can lead to decisions being shaped by a smaller, less representative group.
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Finally, voting connects to a broader idea of civic responsibility. Societies function best when people don’t just benefit from systems but also take part in maintaining and improving them.
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Participating in elections is not just your civic duty, it is your responsibility. So, whether it is at the local or national level, remember……your vote matters!
June 2nd Primary Election
Early Primary Voting - May 13th thru June 1st
Vote early in-person at the Kossuth County Courthouse*
* Kossuth County Courthouse
​114 West State Street
Algona, Iowa 50511
County Auditor's Office ​
515-295-2718
Open weekdays 8am- 4pm
Any voter who is physically unable to enter a polling place has the right to vote from the voter’s vehicle.
Kossuth County Polling Locations
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026
Any voter who is physically unable to enter a polling place has the right to vote in the voter’s vehicle.
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For further information, please contact the County Auditor’s office at 515-295-2718 or email teden@kossuthcounty.iowa.