North Dakota Voter Guide 2026

Drew Wrigley is North Dakota's incumbent attorney general and the Republican nominee for re-election in 2026. Twice the U.S. attorney for North Dakota and a former lieutenant governor, he was appointed attorney general in 2022 and won election that fall. His office has emphasized violent-crime and fentanyl enforcement, government transparency, and defending North Dakota law.

Priorities: Prosecute violent crime and fentanyl trafficking · Enforce open-records and transparency laws · Defend North Dakota laws and state authority

Tim Lamb is the Democratic-NPL nominee for North Dakota attorney general, an attorney and retired Army officer who has run for several offices. He offers a Democratic alternative for the state's chief legal office.

Priorities: Bring legal and military experience to the office · Provide independent oversight of state government · Offer a Democratic-NPL option for attorney general

Michael Howe is North Dakota's incumbent secretary of state and the Republican nominee for re-election in 2026, endorsed by Governor Kelly Armstrong. A former state representative, he is the state's 15th secretary of state, and his campaign emphasizes election integrity and keeping North Dakota an easy place to start and grow a business.

Priorities: Preserve and protect election integrity · Keep North Dakota the best place to start and grow a business · Modernize state filing and records services

Ryan Braunberger is the Democratic-NPL nominee for North Dakota secretary of state, the minority leader of the state Senate and an insurance agent from Fargo. He offers a Democratic-NPL alternative for the state's elections and business-services office.

Priorities: Bring legislative leadership experience to election administration · Protect voter access across North Dakota · Ensure fair, transparent state services

Doug Goehring is North Dakota's incumbent agriculture commissioner and the Republican nominee for re-election in 2026. A 25-year farmer who has held the office since 2009, his campaign emphasizes protecting agricultural producers, food security, and North Dakota's farm economy.

Priorities: Protect North Dakota's agricultural producers · Strengthen food security and the farm economy · Defend farmers and ranchers from federal overreach

Vern Thompson is the Democratic-NPL nominee for North Dakota agriculture commissioner, a farmer, truck driver, and former state Senate minority leader. His campaign argues farmers are paying more, earning less, and losing ground in the biggest farm crisis in 40 years, and pledges to put people ahead of the powerful.

Priorities: Fight for farmers and ranchers in the current farm crisis · Put rural families and landowners ahead of corporate interests · Bring legislative and working-farm experience to the office

Levi Bachmeier is North Dakota's incumbent superintendent of public instruction, running in a 2026 special election after his appointment. A former coach and education official, his campaign emphasizes high standards, accountability, and preparing students to thrive.

Priorities: Set high standards and accountability in schools · Prepare students for careers and life after graduation · Bring a values-driven, common-sense approach to education

Tracy Foss is an independent candidate for North Dakota superintendent of public instruction, a teacher and mother of three running in the 2026 special election. Her campaign theme is every voice heard, stronger schools ahead.

Priorities: Give teachers and parents a stronger voice in education policy · Strengthen public schools across North Dakota · Bring classroom experience to the state's top education office