Accountability. Transparency. Accessibility.

Hello! My name is Dustin Anderson, and I’m proud to announce my candidacy for Mahnomen County Sheriff.

 

A proud Mahnomen County native, I graduated from Waubun High School in 2010. I am a 1st generation descendant of the White Earth Band Nation. I joined the United States Marine Corps as a Military Policeman, serving 8 years (5 active and 3 reserves) with multiple deployments to the Middle East and earning accommodations for my actions.

 

My wife, a lifelong Mahnomen County resident, runs a successful daycare right here in the county. Together, we’re raising our son and daughter. Family and community are at the heart of everything we do.

 

I began my civilian law enforcement career with the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office for a little over a year. I then moved to the White Earth Police Department, where I advanced quickly: I was promoted to Narcotics Investigator within a year. I spent nearly 4 years as a narcotics investigator serving as a Special Agent with the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force and as a Task Force Officer with the FBI.

 

I currently serve as the Lieutenant with White Earth Police Department, a role I've held for the past two years. As a Lieutenant, I have been in charge of the day-to-day operations of the police department including overseeing both the patrol and the investigations divisions. I’ve taken on key leadership roles as Field Training Officer Coordinator, become well-versed in grant writing, and currently oversee all department purchases and equipment needs.

 

While serving as an investigator and currently as a lieutenant, I have earned a degree in Business with honors, and I am currently furthering my education in Human Resources from Rasmussen University.

 

These experiences — from military policing and combat deployments to hands-on investigations, narcotics work, training new officers, and managing department operations — have prepared me to lead the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office with integrity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of our rural communities.

 

As Sheriff, I will keep politics out of police work. My focus will always be on fair, impartial, and effective law enforcement that serves every resident equally.

 

I am committed to working closely with the local departments inside and outside of law enforcement to improve public safety across the county through strong collaboration and mutual respect.

 

I will run the office with transparency, holding my staff and — more importantly — myself accountable at all times. I will be accessible to community members, available to listen to your concerns, and responsive to the needs of our families.

 

My priorities include:

•  Strong, fair law enforcement that protects our families and rural way of life

•  Supporting our deputies with better training, resources, and leadership

•  Smart fiscal management and grant opportunities to maximize services without raising costs

 

I believe in being visible and accessible — community policing means showing up, listening, and delivering real results for the people of Mahnomen County.

 

If you want a Sheriff with proven local roots, military-honed discipline, experienced leadership, and a family deeply invested in our community, I’d be honored to earn your support in the 2026 election.