Biography
Melissa Maertens is the Democratic candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives, District 10A, in the November 3, 2026 general election, facing Republican Mark Striemer in a race with no incumbent.[1][2] A small business owner, she said in a Ballotpedia survey that her priorities are rural economic growth, public education and rural health care.[3]
Melissa Maertens advanced from the August 11, 2026 Democratic primary.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, she described herself as a small business owner with strong ties throughout central and northern Minnesota who has lived in the district for the past several years.[3] She said she has also worked extensively in animal rescue and advocacy, partnering with shelters and rescue organizations.[3]
Maertens named three "Foundation Issues" in the survey: economic growth that supports working families, small businesses and rural communities, including broadband access; full funding for rural schools and action on teacher shortages; and access to health care, including rural hospitals and clinics, mental health care and telehealth.[3]
- 1.Melissa Maertens - Ballotpedia · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Minnesota House of Representatives elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia · Ballotpedia Reference
- 3.Melissa Maertens - Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey responses, 2026 · Ballotpedia · 2026-10-21 Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Minnesota House District 10A
Melissa Maertens is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Minnesota House District 10A as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.