Democrats in Waite Park, MN

Waite Park is a city of about 8,500 residents in Stearns County, directly adjacent to St. Cloud on the west. It sits entirely within Senate District 14, making the SD14 DFL the local Democratic-Farmer-Labor organization for Waite Park residents.

Waite Park at a Glance

Waite Park packs a lot into its 8.9 square miles. It's home to the Ledge Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue located between two quarries that hosts up to 6,000 guests for national and local acts throughout the summer season. Waite Park also serves as a regional hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment along the Highway 15 and Highway 23 corridors. The city shares the St. Cloud Area School District with neighboring communities, with most students attending Apollo High School.

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is a 757-acre park built on the site of 20 former granite mining quarries. Miles of trails wind through woodlands, open prairie, wetlands, and exposed bedrock. In summer, Quarry 11 draws swimmers and cliff jumpers to its clear, deep water. The park is open year-round: groomed cross-country ski trails in winter, mountain biking and hiking in warmer months, and scuba diving for certified divers in the quarry pools. It draws tens of thousands of visitors annually from across the region.

A working-class city

About 21% of Waite Park residents live below the poverty line, higher than both the state and national averages. Affordable housing, access to childcare, and wage growth are issues with direct local relevance here. 

State legislators representing Waite Park

Waite Park falls within one state House district and one state Senate district.

State Senate — District 14

Aric Putnam (DFL) is the incumbent state senator representing Senate District 14, which includes all of Waite Park. The Senate district also covers portions of Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties. Senator Putnam is running for re-election in 2026.

State House — District 14A

House District 14A covers southwest St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta, and portions of St. Joseph. This seat is open in 2026. The SD14 DFL convention endorsed Abdi Daisane for the 14A seat. The primary is August 11.

Not sure which district you're in? Use the Minnesota Legislature's district finder to look up your address.

Waite Park in the 2026 election

Waite Park elections are administered through the Stearns County Auditor's office. To find your specific precinct and polling place, use the MN Voter Information portal and enter your address.

Precinct chairs are volunteers elected at caucus who serve as the local DFL point of contact in each precinct. If you're interested in serving as a precinct chair in Waite Park, contact SD14 DFL.

Explore Waite Park

Waite Park and the greater St. Cloud region have strong local organizations promoting community and economic vitality:

• Visit Greater St. Cloud — Events, dining, outdoor recreation, and things to do across the region.

• St. Cloud Shines — Community quality-of-life initiative covering arts, economy, education, housing, and sustainability.

• Greater St. Cloud — Regional economic development nonprofit serving Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties.

• St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce — Connects local businesses and advocates for the regional economy.

Get involved in Waite Park

• Find your precinct and polling place

• Register to vote or check your registration

• See upcoming SD14 DFL events

• Sign up to volunteer

• Contact SD14 DFL

SD14 DFL holds monthly Central Committee meetings at 1729 West St. Germain, St. Cloud — every third Thursday at 6 p.m. (check the calendar before attending; sometimes the date shifts for events or holidays). Waite Park residents are welcome!

Explore the other communities that make up SD-14:
St. Cloud | St. Augusta | St. Joseph | Sauk Rapids