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North Dakota State Representative District 1 {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The North Dakota State House consists of 94 representatives, who meet in regular legislative sessions to make our state laws and set our state budget. Learn more at ndlegis.gov.

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    Laurie Garbel
    (Rep)

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    Alex Johnson
    (DNPL)

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    David Richter
    (Rep)

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    Steve Thoring
    (DNPL)

Biographical Information

What are your top priorities?

How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?

How would you address the housing needs of the state?

What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?

What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?

What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?

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Campaign Phone Number 7016094803
My top priorities are focused on what actually impacts people’s lives like bringing people together, strengthening our communities through infrastructure and growth, supporting working families, improving access to practical healthcare, investing in education and workforce development, and protecting our land to keep North Dakota Legendary for future generations. At the end of the day, it’s about putting people first and doing the work that helps, not harms.
I would work to keep hospitals, clinics, emergency care, telehealth, mobile clinics, and rural emergency hospitals funded so people are not forced to drive hours for basic care. Costs rise when there is not enough staffing for these institutions.
Housing is a basic need, and in North Dakota we solve it by focusing on what actually works, which is building more and removing the barriers that get in the way. We need to increase housing supply across the board. That means focusing on basic infrastructure such as roads, water, and even utilities. Then, making housing more affordable for renters and buyers by creating rental stability and home-buying incentives if possible.
Public education is the foundation of our communities, and it needs to be fully funded and supported first. When we start pulling large amounts of public money into private institutions, we risk weakening the system that serves the majority of North Dakota families
I think North Dakota actually gets a lot right when it comes to voting. The fact that we don’t require voter registration removes a major barrier and makes it easier for people to show up and participate. At the same time, requiring ID helps maintain confidence in the system.
The federal government should set the foundation by protecting basic rights and ensuring fairness, while states have the flexibility to serve their unique communities. What works in North Dakota doesn’t always work elsewhere. The imbalance happens when the federal government fails to meet the needs of everyday people and states either can’t or don’t step in, leaving people behind.
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Education: I believe every child deserves a quality education. I will work to ensure our school are properly funded, support our teachers, and expand career and technical education.

Healthcare: Access to healthcare is vital in rural North Dakota. I will fight to protect our local hospital and ensure emergency services are fully resourced so families can receive quality, and affordable care close to home.
I will work tirelessly to ensure that the healthcare costs are affordable. I will try to pass legislation or support other representatives that are working to pass bills that lower cost for all North Dakotans for health care. I will listen to the residents of Williston to hear their needs and act accordingly.
I would support the Housing Incentive Fund (HIF) that is financed through voluntary contributions from individuals and corporations. The State of North Dakota could help the HIF by providing funding. I believe the working families of North Dakota need help to afford housing in our great state and we need to help anyway we can.
I believe the public schools are the only place public funds should be allowed to go. The private schools or non-public schools should not receive tax dollars for funding. With the federal government cuts that we have seen it is more important to make sure our public schools receive all the funding available to them.
The current voting methods with the absentee ballots that you can pick up or have mailed to you or being able to go to the polls to vote in person each play an important part in our voter turn outs.
I believe that the states' rights belong to the state not the federal government. I believe that the federal government should not be allowed to restrict the students that attend our colleges and universities or the courses they teach. They are doing this by withholding government grants and funding until they have no choice but to accept their demands.