Grand Forks GOP Districts Endorse Candidates for State Legislature

Several incumbents and challengers receive party backing ahead of primary elections

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, photorealistic painting of a North Dakota state capitol building, its grand architecture and columns bathed in warm, golden sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet political power and civic tradition.The North Dakota GOP's early endorsements of state legislative candidates provide a glimpse into the party's priorities ahead of the 2026 elections.Grand Forks Today

Four Republican districts in the Grand Forks area of North Dakota have endorsed candidates for state legislative seats in recent months. The endorsements cover races for the state Senate and House of Representatives, with a mix of incumbent officeholders and challengers receiving the party's backing.

Why it matters

These local GOP endorsements provide an early indication of the party's priorities and preferred candidates heading into the upcoming primary elections. They also highlight the ongoing political dynamics and power structures within the North Dakota Republican Party at the state and district levels.

The details

The endorsed candidates are: District 17 - Jonathan Sickler for Senate, Mark Sanford and Reed Johnson for House; District 19 - Janne Myrdal for Senate, Karen Anderson and David Monson for House; District 42 - Connie Osowski for House; District 43 - Jeff Barta for Senate, Mike Holmes and Jill Chandler for House. District 20 has an unexpired House term but will wait until after the primary to make an endorsement.

  • The GOP district endorsements occurred over the last few months.
  • The North Dakota GOP State Convention was held on April 2-3, 2026 in Minot.

The players

Jonathan Sickler

The current incumbent for the state Senate in District 17.

Mark Sanford

One of the current incumbent state House representatives for District 17.

Janne Myrdal

The current incumbent state Senator for District 19.

Connie Osowski

The endorsed candidate for the unexpired state House term in District 42.

Jeff Barta

The current incumbent state Senator for District 43.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The North Dakota primary elections will be held in June 2026, after which District 20 is expected to make an endorsement for its unexpired House seat.

The takeaway

These local GOP endorsements provide an early look at the party's preferred candidates heading into the 2026 North Dakota legislative elections, with a mix of incumbent officeholders and challengers receiving the party's backing at the district level.