2 candidates are tracked for North Dakota Senate District 3 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Bob Paulson and Michael Thiesen. Candidate information follows official Ward County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Bob Paulson (R), Michael Thiesen (Democratic-NPL) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for North Dakota Senate District 3. Bob Paulson is the sitting member, per the Legislative Assembly's members-by-district roster. Party nominees were chosen at the June 9, 2026 primary, per the North Dakota Secretary of State's 2026 general-election candidate list.
State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.
This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Bob Paulson, is on the ballot.
North Dakota › Ward County › North Dakota Senate District 3
R Incumbent
Bob Paulson is the Republican incumbent for North Dakota Senate District 3. Paulson is a retired Navy pilot and rancher in Minot who holds a BBA from Evangel University, per the North Dakota Legislative Assembly. Paulson was first elected to the North Dakota House in 2019 and moved to the Senate in 2023. No campaign website was found as of September 20, 2026.
Democratic-NPL
Michael Thiesen is the Democratic-NPL candidate for North Dakota Senate District 3, challenging sitting Sen. Bob Paulson. Thiesen is the mayor of Surrey and an electrician by trade, per KX News. Thiesen has said the Legislature should focus on policies that affect people's lives, including education costs, food prices and local government expenses, per KX News. No campaign website was found as of September 20, 2026.
Who is running for North Dakota Senate District 3 in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for North Dakota Senate District 3 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Bob Paulson and Michael Thiesen. Candidate information follows official Ward County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the North Dakota Senate District 3 election in North Dakota?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for North Dakota are on the North Dakota election hub at theballotbrief.com.
How do I see my exact Ward County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.
Candidate roster from official Ward County and state election office filings, last verified September 25, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official North Dakota election office, or see the full Ward County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
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