Zak X Files for St. Cloud City Council Ward 4 Special Election
Published: June 3, 2026
ST. CLOUD, MN: Zak X, a St. Cloud-based social media personality and political activist who is currently facing multiple criminal charges in Minnesota, has filed to run for the St. Cloud City Council's Ward 4 seat in an upcoming special election.
According to candidate filing information published by the City of St. Cloud, Zak X filed for the nonpartisan Ward 4 race on June 1. He joins a field that currently includes Amaan Abdi, Joe Baratta, and Craig Heurung.
Zak X publicly confirmed his filing through an Instagram post, in which he shared screenshots that appeared to show correspondence from city officials confirming that he had successfully met the petition requirements to qualify for the ballot. One screenshot showed a city official informing him that he had successfully met the 25-signature requirement for filing after election officials reviewed his petition signatures.
The email stated that his name would appear on a primary ballot if more than three candidates filed for the Ward 4 seat. If two or fewer candidates filed, the race would proceed directly to the general election ballot. The city also informed him that his affidavit of candidacy would be posted in the election section of the city's website.
Four Candidates Filed for Ward 4 Race
As of June 1, 2026, the City of St. Cloud's candidate filing information listed four candidates for the Ward 4 non-partisan special election:
Amaan Abdi
Joe Baratta
Craig Heurung
Zak X
Because more than three candidates have filed for the seat, a primary election is expected to be held before the general election. The special election will fill a vacancy on the St. Cloud City Council.
Social Media Personality and Activist
Zak X, formerly known as Zachary Allen Stumpf before legally changing his name, has built a following on social media through livestreams and videos covering political demonstrations, counterprotests, and current events across Minnesota.
He has frequently attended and documented protests involving immigration policy, public safety issues, and other politically charged topics. His social media presence has made him a recognizable figure at demonstrations across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
Criminal Cases Remain Pending
Zak X's entry into the Ward 4 race comes while he faces multiple criminal cases in Minnesota courts.
In Hennepin County, he has been charged with felony third-degree assault and committing a crime while wearing body armor following an incident at a "No Kings" protest in Bloomington in March 2026. According to court documents, prosecutors allege he punched another individual during an altercation, causing injuries. Authorities reported that he was wearing body armor and carrying a chemical irritant at the time of the incident.
In Washington County, he was arrested during an anti-ICE demonstration in Stillwater in March 2026 and charged with misdemeanor offenses that include disorderly conduct and obstructing a peace officer.
He is also facing a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from a December 2025 incident outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling. Prosecutors allege he physically assaulted another demonstrator during that event.
Court records indicate the cases remain pending.
AI-Generated Video Included in Campaign Announcement
Zak X's Instagram announcement also included an AI-generated video depicting George Floyd as an astronaut in outer space.
In the video, a digitally generated voice portraying Floyd states:
"Hey Zak, I'm looking down, and I am frustrated. They burned down the city for me six years ago. And now they're trying to put you behind bars for exposing the nonsense. I'm praying for you, buddy."
The AI-generated clip was included in Zak X's social media announcement regarding his candidacy for the Ward 4 special election.
Looking Ahead
The Ward 4 special election will give St. Cloud voters an opportunity to choose a representative for the vacant council seat. With at least four candidates already filing for the position, voters are expected to see a competitive race in the coming months.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Zak X are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Cover Photo Credit: Zak X/Facebook
