Who's running for Rochester mayor in 2018?

This month, voters in Minneapolis and St. Paul went in a decidedly youthful direction in choosing their next leaders. In fact, if you combine the ages of Mayor-elect Jacob Frey of Minneapolis (36) and Mayor-elect Melvin Carter of St. Paul (38), it adds to up be less than the age of Rochester's current mayor, Ardell Brede (78).

As we begin to look ahead to Rochester's 2018 mayoral election — 356 days from now — a key question will be whether voters here will follow the trend set by our neighbors 90 miles to the north. In other words, is Rochester yearning for a fresh face from outside the political establishment? Or will voters be drawn toward a more familiar name with a long history of civic leadership?

Below is a guide to some of the individuals who have been mentioned as potential candidates for mayor. We will continue to modify this list as more information becomes available.

Ardell Brede

Mayor Brede has not ruled out seeking a fifth term in office. But regardless of his decision, it does appear likely that the field will be more competitive than when he last ran in 2014. He is expected to announce a decision on whether to run early next year.

Kim Norton

The former DFL state legislator has not been shy about her interest in the position. However, Norton has indicated in the past that she will only run if Brede chooses not to. 

Jordan Glynn

Glynn is the only individual on this list to have announced his candidacy for office. A political newcomer, he describes himself as a "businessman with a musician’s soul."

Randy Staver

Staver, now in his second term as city council president, has been rumored to be considering a bid for mayor. However, he told us in September: "I feel I can be most effective by maintaining my role as council president for the foreseeable future."