North Dakota Primary Sees Contested GOP Races, Democrats Fill All Slots

Three Republican statewide primaries and a nonpartisan superintendent race will be on the ballot, while Democrats field candidates for all 10 statewide offices.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:54am

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A serene, cinematic painting of the North Dakota state capitol building, its grand architecture bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the state's evolving political landscape.The North Dakota state capitol stands as a symbol of the state's political landscape, where a shift in party dynamics is unfolding ahead of the upcoming primary election.Fargo Today

The upcoming North Dakota primary election will feature three contested Republican statewide races, including a partial rematch for the U.S. House seat, as well as a three-way nonpartisan contest for superintendent of public instruction. Meanwhile, the state's Democratic-NPL party has fielded candidates for all 10 statewide offices on the ballot this year, a rarity in recent elections.

Why it matters

North Dakota has been a Republican stronghold, with the party holding every statewide office. This election cycle marks a shift, with Democrats fielding candidates for all statewide races, potentially making the contests more competitive. The contested Republican primaries also highlight internal party dynamics and could shape the general election matchups.

The details

The Republican primary will see incumbent U.S. House Rep. Julie Fedorchak face NDGOP-endorsed candidate Alex Balazs, a partial rematch from 2024. The winner will take on the Democratic-NPL-endorsed U.S. House candidate Trygve Hammer in November. There are also contested Republican primaries for both seats on the Public Service Commission, with incumbent Sheri Haugen-Hoffart and Jill Kringstad facing NDGOP-endorsed challengers. The nonpartisan superintendent of public instruction race includes incumbent Levi Bachmeier, Democratic-NPL-endorsed Tracy Foss, and Republican activist Charles Tuttle.

  • The candidate filing deadline was on Monday, April 8, 2026.
  • The North Dakota primary election is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Julie Fedorchak

Incumbent U.S. House Representative facing a primary challenge.

Alex Balazs

NDGOP-endorsed candidate running against Fedorchak in the U.S. House Republican primary.

Trygve Hammer

Democratic-NPL-endorsed candidate for U.S. House.

Sheri Haugen-Hoffart

Incumbent Republican seeking re-election to the Public Service Commission.

Jill Kringstad

Incumbent Republican seeking re-election to the Public Service Commission.

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What they’re saying

“'Property taxes are just too high.'”

— Mark Nelson, Democratic candidate for tax commissioner

“'I look forward to the campaign and opportunity to visit with citizens across the state in the weeks and months ahead.'”

— Brian Kroshus, Incumbent Republican tax commissioner

What’s next

The top two finishers in the nonpartisan superintendent of public instruction primary will advance to the November general election.

The takeaway

This election cycle in North Dakota marks a shift, with Democrats fielding candidates for all statewide offices, potentially making the contests more competitive. The contested Republican primaries also highlight internal party dynamics that could shape the general election matchups.