Minot Mayor Resigns Following Workplace Harassment Investigation

Tom Ross stepped down after an investigation concluded his accidental sending of a sexually explicit video to the city attorney created an offensive work environment.

Tom Ross resigned as mayor of Minot, North Dakota, on April 2, 2025, after an investigation confirmed his actions constituted workplace harassment.
The incident occurred in January when Ross mistakenly sent a sexually explicit video intended for his girlfriend to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim shortly after a phone call about a police officer's suicide.
Stalheim filed a formal complaint two weeks later, citing the offensive nature of the incident and requesting an apology and Ross's consideration of resignation.
The investigative report, released publicly on April 2, found Ross’s actions created an offensive work environment and violated workplace harassment standards.
The Minot City Council plans to appoint a new mayor unless citizens petition for a special election within the next 15 days.