Scandal Forces Minot Mayor to Step Down

Person handing over a resignation letter.

An unintended text message has left Minot, North Dakota, without its mayor as the aftermath unfolds.

Key Takeaways

Minot Mayor Tom Ross resigned after mistakenly sending an explicit video to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim.
This incident triggered a sexual harassment investigation, concluding that an offensive work environment was created for Stalheim.
Ross claims he intended the video for his girlfriend but inadvertently dispatched it to Stalheim after a phone conversation.
Stalheim filed a harassment report, seeking an apology and suggesting the mayor’s resignation.
The city now faces the decision of holding a special election or appointing an interim mayor.

Accidental Video Sparks Resignation

The incumbent mayor of Minot, North Dakota, Tom Ross, resigned following a personal mishap that transformed into public scandal. Ross accidentally sent a video intended for his girlfriend to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim, leading to a sexual harassment investigation. This unexpected series of events culminated in the mayor’s resignation, leaving a vacant position at the city’s helm amid discussions of how to fill his role.

Ross’s misstep occurred shortly after a call with Stalheim about grave municipal matters, specifically a police officer’s suicide. In the chaos of names akin in appearance on his phone, Ross sent the video, which led to serious professional repercussions. Consequently, Stalheim, though initially hesitant due to apprehensions about reporting her supervisor, filed a harassment complaint two weeks later.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inquiry into this incident concluded that Ross’s actions had “directly caused Stalheim’s inability to work in an environment free from unreasonable sexual harassment,” highlighting the adverse implications of his error. Although Ross called for privacy in dealing with the matter, the formal complaint pushed it into the public eye. Stalheim, who felt beleaguered by the situation, sought an apology from Ross, ultimately resulting in his resignation. In response, Ross stated, “I do take responsibility for this mistake. I tried to immediately correct it and was unable. The decision I made falls in line with all my work on behalf of the City of Minot. I put my heart and soul into this community.”

Minot’s municipal leaders are now deliberating options to ensure a smooth continuation of governance. With a 15-day window, residents have the chance to call for a special election. Absent a petition, the responsibility of selecting Ross’s successor falls to the city council. Ross had been in office since 2022 after serving as a city council member, appreciated for the dedication he expressed toward improving Minot.

Moving Forward

Minot, home to 47,000 people and positioned 50 miles from the Canadian border, finds itself in procedural flux. The task of appointing a new leader rests on local decision-makers, who must weigh the costs and benefits of electoral engagement versus appointment. Despite the situation, Ross took ownership of his mistake, expressing his continued support for Minot’s progress.

As the clock ticks on Minot’s mayoral future, the city remains committed to ensuring continued service to its citizens. The city’s course, ultimately, is a reflection of Minot’s adherence to democratic principles and efficient governance.