Cooperstown Rep. Don Vigesaa Not Seeking Reelection

Longtime North Dakota lawmaker and Appropriations Committee chair to retire after 23 years of service.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Rep. Don Vigesaa, R-Cooperstown, has announced that he will not seek reelection after serving 23 years in the North Dakota Legislature. Vigesaa has held key leadership positions, including chairing the House Appropriations Committee in 2023 and 2025. He is credited with passing legislation to eliminate the state's 5% vehicle excise tax on new car rebates.

Why it matters

Vigesaa's retirement marks the end of an era for North Dakota politics, as he has been a prominent and influential figure in the state's budget process for over two decades. His departure will create an opening in the House Appropriations Committee, which plays a crucial role in shaping the state's fiscal priorities.

The details

Vigesaa, who owned a car dealership, said his favorite piece of legislation during his career was eliminating a new vehicle rebate from being included in the state's 5% vehicle excise tax. Until that bill passed in 2009, people were paying 5% to the state on rebates they received when buying a new car.

  • Vigesaa will continue to represent District 29 in central North Dakota until his term ends on November 30, 2026.
  • Vigesaa served as chair of the House Appropriations Committee in the 2023 and 2025 legislative sessions.

The players

Don Vigesaa

A Republican lawmaker who has represented District 29 in central North Dakota for 23 years, including serving as chair of the House Appropriations Committee in 2023 and 2025.

Mike Lefor

The House Majority Leader, R-Dickinson, who said he was relieved when Vigesaa agreed to become chair of the House Appropriations Committee in 2023 because of his detail-oriented and analytical approach.

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What they’re saying

“I had customers ask me, 'Now, why do I have to pay tax on the rebate amount?' Well, I got that fixed.”

— Don Vigesaa, Outgoing North Dakota Lawmaker

What’s next

Vigesaa's retirement will create an opening in the House Appropriations Committee, which will need to be filled by a new Republican lawmaker. The party will need to select a replacement to lead the committee in the 2027 legislative session.

The takeaway

Vigesaa's departure marks the end of an era in North Dakota politics, as he has been a key figure in the state's budget process for over two decades. His legacy includes passing legislation to eliminate the state's vehicle excise tax on new car rebates, a move that benefited consumers. The new leadership in the House Appropriations Committee will need to continue Vigesaa's fiscally responsible approach to managing the state's finances.