Ben Schierer

Ben Schierer
Schierer in 2026
Lieutenant Governor-elect of Minnesota
Assuming office
January 4, 2027
GovernorAmy Klobuchar (elect)
SucceedingPeggy Flanagan
Mayor of Fergus Falls
In office
2017–2025
Preceded byHal Leland
Succeeded byAnthony Hicks
Personal details
Born (1973-09-30) September 30, 1973 (age 53)
Fergus Falls, Minnesota, U.S.
PartyDemocratic (DFL)
SpouseTessa
Children5
EducationMetropolitan State University (BA)
University of Minnesota (MPA)

Ben Schierer (born September 30, 1973) is an American author, business owner, and politician from Minnesota who is the lieutenant governor-elect of Minnesota. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party, Schierer previously served as the mayor of Fergus Falls from 2017 to 2025, and as a member of the city council from 2005 to 2017.

Biography

Schierer was born and raised in Fergus Falls, where he and his wife Tessa started a restaurant and brewery. They have five children.

Schierer co-wrote a biography on Governor Rudy Perpich titled Perpich: A Minnesota Original, which was published in 2025.

Career

Schierer was elected to the city council of Fergus Falls in 2004. He was elected to succeed Hal Leland as mayor of Fergus Falls in 2016, and won a second term in 2020. While mayor, the city built multiple riverfront projects, centered around the city's downtown. He was succeeded by Anthony Hicks on November 5, 2024.

In September 2025, Schierer announced that he would be a candidate for the DFL nomination for Minnesota State Auditor in the 2026 Minnesota State Auditor election. In May 2026, Amy Klobuchar, candidate for governor of Minnesota, selected Schierer as her running mate in the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election, and he withdrew from the Auditor race. Klobuchar and Schierer won the DFL primary in August 2026 and won the general election in November 2026. He is the first male candidate elected Minnesota lieutenant governor since Lou Wangberg in 1978.

References

  1. 1 2 Faircloth, Ryan (May 29, 2026). "Klobuchar picks former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer as running mate in governor race". The Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved August 7, 2026.
  2. 1 2 Faircloth, Ryan (June 1, 2026). "Who is Ben Schierer, Amy Klobuchar's running mate?". Minnesota Star Tribune. Minneapolis. Schierer has deep roots in Fergus Falls, where he was born and lives with his wife, Tessa, and their five children.
  3. ↑ Anderson, Michele (June 19, 2017). "Union Pizza and Brewery: Town Hall Meets Restaurant". Otter Tail Lakes Country Association.
  4. ↑ Sidian, Derek (September 5, 2025). "Former Fergus Falls Mayor Campaigning for State Auditor". Fergus Now. Retrieved August 14, 2026.
  5. ↑ McGurran, Michael (April 30, 2025). "Former Fergus Falls mayor pens book on Gov. Rudy Perpich". InForum. Retrieved August 7, 2026.
  6. ↑ Schierer, Ben; Sturdevant, Lori (2025). Perpich: A Minnesota Original. St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press. ISBN 978-1-68134-308-2.
  7. ↑ "Elected Officials". City of Fergus Falls. Retrieved August 14, 2026.
  8. ↑ Sidian, Derek (September 5, 2025). "Former Fergus Falls Mayor Campaigning for State Auditor". Fergus Now. Retrieved August 8, 2026.
  9. ↑ Murphy, Mary (May 29, 2026). "Amy Klobuchar picks former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer as running mate". InForum. Retrieved August 7, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Amy Klobuchar promises to be a 'transformative governor' after primary win". CNN. Retrieved August 12, 2026.
  11. ↑ https://fergusnow.com/2026/11/04/former-fergus-falls-mayor-schierer-elected-to-lt-governors-office/