ST Sirleaf’s Campaign for Mayor

In February, Human Rights Chair Sekou Sirleaf announced his campaign for Fargo mayor. Since declaring his candidacy at the Fargo Public Library, the local pastor has centered his campaign on unity, public safety and accountable leadership. As the election approaches, Sirleaf is working to expand that message to voters across Fargo.

The Fargo municipal election will take place Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Five candidates are running for mayor and eight for City Commission. For college students and young voters, the election presents an opportunity to influence decisions on housing and job growth. While many young adults are eligible to participate in local elections, they are among the least likely to vote. At the same time, they are among those most affected by rising rent, housing costs and limited job opportunities in Fargo. In an interview, Sirleaf pointed to concerns about retaining young adults in the city, particularly those who pursue higher education locally but leave due to those challenges.

“We train them and they leave us,” Sirleaf said. “We need a change.”

He said addressing housing affordability and job opportunities would be key to retaining young professionals in Fargo. Sirleaf also emphasized the importance of making city leadership more accessible and representative. One proposal includes transitioning the current city commission structure to a city council, which he said would improve accountability and better reflect the community. He said the change would align Fargo’s system more closely with many larger U.S. cities, where council-based governance is more common. His campaign also encourages broader civic participation, both through public engagement and by motivating residents to pursue elected positions.

“I will listen to you. If we develop a policy, I want them to have a say,” Sirleaf said. “I want to see the young, Natives, Hispanic, minorities involved. I want diversity.”

Sirleaf said increasing community input and representation would be central to his approach, particularly in ensuring underrepresented residents have a voice in local decision-making. His leadership framework also emphasizes transparency, including making city records and budgets more accessible and easier for residents to understand.

“People have a right to know,” Sirleaf said.

He added that regular town hall meetings and expanded community engagement opportunities would allow residents to communicate more directly with city leaders.

As the election nears, eligible voters in Fargo must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens and North Dakota residents who have lived in the city for at least 30 days prior to Election Day. The state does not require formal voter registration. Instead, residents can vote by going to their designated precinct and presenting an accepted form of identification.

No matter if voting absentee or in person, identification must include the voter’s name, current residential address and date of birth. This can be a driver’s license, a nondriver identification card, an ID issued by a tribal government or a long-term care identification certificate, according to Cass County election information. The Fargo mayor serves a four-year term.

On public safety, Sirleaf outlined a community-based approach that includes measurable outcomes and collaboration with local services. He said departments should track performance metrics to assess whether policies are effective and advocated for strengthening relationships between law enforcement and residents through community policing.

“We have to be a community that cares about each other,” he said.

He said partnerships with mental health services would also play a role in addressing public safety concerns.

Sirleaf identified rising housing costs as a key issue affecting Fargo residents, particularly young adults. He said increasing affordability would require support for local development and a broader focus on community well-being.

“Compassion over pity,” Sirleaf said, describing the approach he believes leadership should take when addressing economic challenges.

Sirleaf said his experience as a pastor has shaped his leadership style, particularly in areas such as listening, conflict resolution and community engagement. He acknowledged that some voters may question his lack of prior government experience but said leadership skills are not limited to elected office. He noted that many public officials begin their careers without prior experience in government.

Sirleaf also encouraged young voters to become more engaged in the upcoming election, emphasizing that local policies directly affect their daily lives.

“It affects you,” he said. “You have to invest in this election.”

Sirleaf said increasing civic engagement, particularly among younger residents, will be essential in shaping Fargo’s future. He emphasized expanding opportunities for residents to participate in local government and ensuring more voices are represented in decision-making.