Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen. Photo from Cook County, MN

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - March 9, 2026

On March 9, 2026, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen announced his resignation, effective May 8, 2026. This update follows his previous announcement, made on January 13, 2026, in which he indicated he would not seek reelection in the upcoming November election. 

The timing of the resignation (before the official term has ended) requires a special process to fill the vacancy before the general election. According to Cook County Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers, “The county board will have to appoint someone who will serve the remainder of the term and until a successor qualifies.”

The general election process for the position remains the same. In an article published in January, Tax and Elections Administrator Cortnee Bernier told Boreal Community Media that the formal candidate filing period will run from May 19 to June 2, 2026. To qualify for the role, candidates must meet specific Minnesota state requirements, including being a licensed peace officer and a resident of the county for at least 30 days prior to the election. So far, Ty Backlund is the only person to officially announce their candidacy. 

According to a news release from Cook County, Eliasen’s 31-year career in law enforcement has been served entirely within the county, beginning in 1995 and including three terms as the elected Sheriff. Reflecting on his decision, Eliasen stated, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Cook County,” noting that he remains committed to a “professional and orderly transition” through his final day in office.