Pohlman announces his candidacy for re-election as Jackson County Commissioner representing District 3. With a record of leadership, public service, and results-driven collaboration, Pohlman is seeking to continue the work of strengthening Jackson County and protecting its future.

“I’m running for re-election because I believe in this County,” Pohlman said. “Jackson County deserves steady, experienced leadership that listens, brings people together, and takes action on the issues that matter most to our residents.”

Pohlman brings decades of leadership experience in law enforcement, military service, and public administration. His commitment to service—grounded in his military and law enforcement oaths—continues to guide his work to protect individual freedoms while ensuring responsible, community-focused governance.

Throughout his time in public service, Pohlman has demonstrated a consistent approach: listen first, collaborate broadly, and lead with integrity. That approach is critical as Jackson County navigates key challenges, including electrical transmission line discussions, watershed management, housing availability, and sustaining a strong rural economy and way of life.

A 1981 graduate of Sioux Valley High School, Pohlman married his high school sweetheart, Shelley, and went on to serve 21 years in the United States military. While raising a family and building a career, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master’s in Human Resources Administration, and a Master of Business Administration through evening and weekend study.

Pohlman’s law enforcement career includes 16 years with the Grand Forks Police Department, where he rose to the ranks of Sergeant and Police Lieutenant and served in the Office of Professional Standards. He was appointed by Governor John Hoeven to the Community Health Grant Advisory Board and served on the North Dakota Incident Management Assistance Team.

In 2012, Pohlman was selected as Police Chief for the City of Red Wing, Minnesota. During his tenure, he was elected as a director for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and served on the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information Advisory Committee, representing greater Minnesota. In 2021, he returned home to serve as Police Chief for the City of Lakefield.

Pohlman has also contributed to higher education, teaching “Introduction to Policing” at the University of North Dakota and continuing to instruct Leadership and Ethics, and police-community relations through Minnesota State College Southeast.

His dedication to civic engagement includes serving five years on the Grand Forks School Board, including two years as Board President and one year on the North Dakota School Board Association.

Pohlman’s military service spans deployments and assignments in Arizona, Germany, Turkey, Guam, and North Dakota. A Desert Storm/Persian Gulf War veteran, he later served in the North Dakota Army National Guard, receiving a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in 2002 and deploying as a platoon leader in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired from military service in 2006.

“Jackson County is built on strong values—hard work, service, and community,” Pohlman said. “I’m committed to continuing that tradition and working every day to ensure our county remains a place where families can thrive today and for generations to come.” 

Website: www.pohlmancommissioner.com