Meet the candidates running for Cook County Commissioner District 1

Kalli Hawkins | August 8, 2026

With Minnesota’s Aug. 11 primary election approaching, voters in Cook County Commissioner District 1 will choose which two candidates advance to the November general election.

Three candidates filed for the District 1 seat: Deb White (incumbent), Matt Kelm and Christine Childs. The Aug. 11 primary will determine which two candidates advance to the general election.

To help voters learn more about the candidates, WTIP invited each candidate to participate in the station’s election coverage by either recording a candidate interview or submitting written responses to a set of questions. Each candidate was offered the same opportunity and asked the same questions about their background, priorities, and why they are running for county commissioner in District 1, among other questions. The interviews and written responses are below.

The District 1 primary election will be held Tuesday, Aug. 11, along with statewide races.

*District 1 candidate Christine Childs opted to provide written responses but did not submit them by the Aug. 7 deadline.