Thanks to Zak’s Auto Service and Bisanz Brothers for their support.
Campaign spending in West St. Paul municipal elections continues to be low due to a lack of competition. Candidates spent just over a combined $5,600 in 2024, up from 2022 but still way down from 2020.
- No competition: Election spending was low for the second straight year, due to the lack of competition. Two of the four races were uncontested, and of the two contested races one candidate in each race either didn’t or barely campaigned.
- Most expensive: Lisa Eng-Sarne spent the most at $3,533, primarily on mailers.
- Least expensive: Multiple candidates didn’t report any spending, including Dave Napier, Andrew Rydlund, and Anthony Smith.
- Most raised: Eng-Sarne raised a total of $4,276, though Robyn Gulley raised $3,415 in an uncontested race with hardly any campaigning. Gulley is sitting on a campaign treasure chest of $11,218.
Spending Per Race
| Ward 1 | |
| Doug Fromm (winner) | $1,628 |
| Andrew Rydlund | $0 |
| Ward 2 | |
| Robyn Gulley (incumbent, uncontested, winner) | $442 |
| Ward 3 | |
| Lisa Eng-Sarne (incumbent, winner) | $3,533 |
| Anthony Smith | $0 |
| Mayor | |
| Dave Napier (incumbent, uncontested, winner) | $0 |
Want to Run?
If you’ve ever thought about running for office, here’s a look at the average spending for campaigns in West St. Paul:
The cost of running really depends on the competition, as uncontested races are usually cheap.
Here’s a look at competition in West St. Paul elections in the modern era, where more than 35% of our elections have been uncontested going back to 1988:
Next elections:
- ISD 197 School Board in November 2025 when three seats will be up. Those seats are currently held by Marcus Hill, Sarah Larsen, and Jon Vaupel. The filing period will open in July/August 2025.
- West St. Paul in 2026 with three City Council seats and the mayor. Those seats are currently held by Mayor Dave Napier, Pat Armon in Ward 1, John Justen in Ward 2, and Wendy Berry in Ward 3. The filing period will open in mid-May 2026.
Data Disclaimers
- Our analysis of campaign spending in West St. Paul is based on public campaign finance reports going back to 2008. Not all candidates file reports and it’s not always clear if they did not spend anything or did not report the spending.
- There is a reporting threshold where candidates are not required to report spending less than $750, which could impact these numbers.
- Totals are based on amounts spent, not amounts raised (several candidates have remaining cash on-hand after election expenses).
This kind of local reporting holds candidates accountable and promotes transparency in our elections. You can support this work by becoming a member.
