Ramsey County Board Chair Rafael Ortega will not seek re-election in 2026
Rafael Ortega, chair of the Ramsey County Board, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026. His decision creates an open seat in District 5, which includes downtown St. Paul and West Seventh, despite earlier reports that he was running for re-election.
📊 Relevant Data
In Ramsey County, the median household income is $89,113 for White residents, $47,960 for Black residents, $80,675 for Asian residents, and $39,250 for American Indian residents, as of 2022.
Ramsey County, MN Median Household Income By Race — Neilsberg
Between 2010 and 2022, the percentage of White (non-Hispanic) residents in Ramsey County decreased from 69.1% to 55.8%, while the percentage of Asian (non-Hispanic) residents increased from 10.6% to 15.7%, Black (non-Hispanic) from 10.6% to 11.6%, and Hispanic from 7% to 8.3%.
Ramsey County, MN population by year, race, & more — USAFacts
In Downtown St. Paul, part of Ramsey County District 5, the population is 7,748 with a racial breakdown of 71% White, 10.1% Black, 11.1% Asian, 6.2% Two or More Races, and 0.9% Other, based on 2019-2023 data.
Downtown St. Paul, St. Paul, MN Demographics: Population, Income, and More — Point2Homes
📌 Key Facts
- On Dec. 12, 2025, Rafael Ortega, chair of the Ramsey County Board, said he will not seek re-election in 2026.
- Ortega’s decision creates an open seat in Ramsey County District 5, which includes downtown St. Paul and the West Seventh neighborhood.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Rafael Ortega, chair of the Ramsey County Board, says he will not seek re‑election in 2026.
- His decision creates an open seat in District 5 (which includes downtown St. Paul and West Seventh).