North Dakota Democrats Endorse Slate of Statewide Candidates

Party backs candidates for attorney general, public service commission, and superintendent of public instruction

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party endorsed several candidates for statewide offices at their recent convention, including Tim Lamb for attorney general, Pederson and Scot Kelsh for the Public Service Commission, and Jodi Foss for superintendent of public instruction. The party also passed resolutions criticizing the Trump administration's immigration policies and calling for universal free school lunches, support for tribal communities, and the rollback of the state's abortion ban and LGBTQ rights restrictions.

Why it matters

The endorsements show the North Dakota Democratic Party's efforts to challenge the Republican Party's dominance in the state, particularly in statewide offices. The party's policy positions on issues like immigration, education, and social issues also highlight the ideological differences between the two major parties in North Dakota.

The details

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party endorsed several candidates for statewide offices at their recent convention. Tim Lamb, a Grand Forks attorney, is seeking to challenge Republican incumbent Drew Wrigley for attorney general. Pederson, a history and economics professor at Mayville State University, was endorsed to run for a six-year term on the Public Service Commission, while Scot Kelsh, a tutor and special education behavior technician for Fargo Public Schools, was endorsed for the two-year seat. The party also endorsed Jodi Foss, an educator with over 20 years of experience, to challenge incumbent Levi Bachmeier for superintendent of public instruction.

  • The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party convention was held on March 8, 2026.

The players

Tim Lamb

A Grand Forks attorney seeking to challenge Republican incumbent Drew Wrigley for attorney general.

Pederson

A history and economics professor at Mayville State University, endorsed to run for a six-year term on the Public Service Commission.

Scot Kelsh

A tutor and special education behavior technician for Fargo Public Schools, endorsed for the two-year seat on the Public Service Commission.

Jodi Foss

An educator with over 20 years of experience, endorsed to challenge incumbent Levi Bachmeier for superintendent of public instruction.

Drew Wrigley

The Republican incumbent for attorney general.

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What they’re saying

“We know the power of good nutrition on a student's ability to learn.”

— Jodi Foss, Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction (kfgo.com)

“They took to the street with whistles, they donated food and rides, and they recorded injustice and cruelty, and yes, they even did this at the expense of their lives.”

— Heidi Heitkamp, Former Democratic Senator (kfgo.com)

What’s next

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party will need to continue to build momentum and support for their endorsed candidates in the lead-up to the 2026 statewide elections.

The takeaway

The North Dakota Democratic Party is making a concerted effort to challenge the Republican Party's dominance in the state, endorsing a slate of candidates for key statewide offices and taking progressive policy positions on issues like immigration, education, and social rights.