Helene Neville Announces Bid for North Dakota House Seat

Third Democrat enters race for state's lone U.S. House seat

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Helene Neville, a traveling nurse who became a North Dakota resident in 2020, has announced her candidacy for the state's lone U.S. House seat. Neville is the third Democrat to enter the race, joining Trygve Hammer of Minot and Vern Thompson of Fargo. The seat is currently held by Republican Julie Fedorchak, who is facing a primary challenge from Alex Balazs.

Why it matters

North Dakota's lone House seat is a key battleground, with both parties vying for control. Neville's entry into the Democratic primary adds another contender to the mix, potentially shaking up the race and offering voters more choice.

The details

Neville, a traveling nurse who has been coming to North Dakota since 2012, officially became a state resident in 2020. She made her announcement at a Democratic party gathering in Bismarck on February 7th. Neville joins Trygve Hammer of Minot and Vern Thompson of Fargo in the race for the Democratic nomination.

  • Neville announced her candidacy on February 7, 2026 at a Democratic party gathering in Bismarck.
  • The current U.S. House seat is held by Republican Julie Fedorchak, who is facing a primary challenge from Alex Balazs.

The players

Helene Neville

A traveling nurse who became a North Dakota resident in 2020 and is now running for the state's lone U.S. House seat as a Democrat.

Trygve Hammer

A Democratic candidate also running for North Dakota's U.S. House seat.

Vern Thompson

A Democratic candidate also running for North Dakota's U.S. House seat.

Julie Fedorchak

The current Republican U.S. House representative for North Dakota, who is facing a primary challenge.

Alex Balazs

A Republican challenger to the incumbent U.S. House representative Julie Fedorchak in the primary election.

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What’s next

The Democratic primary election will be held in the coming months to determine the party's nominee to challenge the Republican incumbent in the general election.

The takeaway

Neville's entry into the race adds another contender to the Democratic primary for North Dakota's lone U.S. House seat, ensuring voters will have multiple options to choose from in selecting their party's nominee to take on the Republican incumbent in the general election.