Paul McDonald Seeks Re-Election to St. Louis County Fourth District

Paul McDonald announced Feb. 3, 2026, that he will seek re-election to the St. Louis County Board representing the Fourth District, framing his bid around continued infrastructure work, public health initiatives and support for mining and rural emergency services. The announcement comes as McDonald points to a multi‑year record of constituent outreach across a district he says is larger than the state of Rhode Island.

McDonald, a Chisholm native and retired teacher, coach and athletic director at Vermilion Community College, was first elected in 2018 and has held the Fourth District seat since 2019, now entering his seventh year of service. McDonald replaced the late Tom Rukavina in the seat and has emphasized his accessibility, saying he has traveled more than 35,000 miles each year to meet with constituents, attend meetings and remain present across the northern reaches of St. Louis County.

The campaign centers on practical governance and bipartisan problem solving. McDonald said, "Serving the people of the Fourth District has been one of the great honors of my life." He added, "Together, we’ve made meaningful progress on issues that matter—public health, repairing our roads and bridges, services for senior citizens, education, economic development, and quality of life—and I am committed to continuing that work." He also emphasized his approach to leadership: "I pride myself on being a team builder who focuses on practical solutions," and framed his priorities around families when he said, "My passion for our youth, seniors, and veterans is at the heart of everything I do. If we work together, we can continue to make our county a vibrant and rewarding place to live, work, and recreate."

On policy, McDonald highlighted concrete items he has pursued while in office. He established the St. Louis County Opioid Remediation Committee to ensure settlement funds are used strategically to address addiction and recovery. He cited efforts to reconnect truant students, expand mental health services, invest in roads and bridges even during the COVID-19 pandemic, and support workforce and economic development. McDonald said he will continue to prioritize mining and its expansion, calling it essential "as it provides the jobs and tax base that helps our citizens in all walks of life." Campaign messaging at the launch urged supporters to "Put the Northland first and just deliver for our communities."

District 4 covers much of the Iron Range and northern St. Louis County, stretching to the Canadian border and south to areas outside Duluth, including Alden, Normana and North Star townships. McDonald holds multiple leadership posts across county, state and national boards and committees, and has cited those roles as a pathway to bring federal and state resources back to the Northland.

If a primary is needed, it will be held Aug. 9, with the winner competing in the general election on Nov. 8. Voters in the Fourth District will now weigh McDonald’s claim of steady delivery on local services, mining jobs and rural emergency stabilization against any challengers who file for the seat as the campaign moves forward.