Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs Announces Run for Re-election

Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs said he will run for a second four-year term in 2026, framing the bid as a continuation of efforts to strengthen community ties and public safety. In a news release he emphasized his local experience and the work his office has done during his first term.

Riggs wrote in the release, "I, Sheriff Riggs, have served the past three years as the elected Beltrami County Sheriff. I have worked for Beltrami County and its communities for over 24 years." He highlighted priorities during his tenure, writing, "During the first three years as sheriff, I have worked tirelessly for the communities of Beltrami County by fostering better relationships, better transparency and community engagement." He also stated, "I am very proud of the job we are doing and the service we are providing to Beltrami County and our regional partners," and noted, "I have surrounded myself with excellent leadership and committed people who are up to the challenge of continuing to provide excellent public safety."

There is a discrepancy in published dates for the announcement. The release is dated Jan. 2, 2026 in multiple reproductions; an original report fragment supplied with reporting materials lists Feb. 5, 2026 as the announcement date. The sheriff's office should be contacted to confirm the official press release timestamp and to obtain the full text of the release.

Riggs was first elected in November 2022 and began serving Jan. 1, 2023, so his first four-year term runs through 2026. Sources report he has "over 24 years" of law enforcement experience overall and that he served 18 years with the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Department prior to his election. Election Day for the next general contest is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. As of early January no challengers had announced for the sheriff's seat.

The announcement was brief and focused on broad themes rather than a detailed policy platform. The release was accompanied by a headshot of Jason Riggs in his law enforcement uniform; one reposting of the release included the header "Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)" and another reproduction contained a typographical error that rendered "During" as "Durning."

For Beltrami County voters, the contest will pitch incumbency and continuity in county law enforcement against any challengers who file later this year. Residents interested in the timeline should watch candidate filing lists at the county election office and look for a confirmed copy of the sheriff's press release and any campaign filings. Journalists and residents seeking clarification can contact the sheriff's office for the full announcement and a detailed career timeline to reconcile the various published service-duration figures.