North Dakota State Senator District 17 Choose 1
The North Dakota State Senate consists of 47 senators, who meet in regular legislative sessions to make our state laws and set our state budget. Learn more at ndlegis.gov.
Biographical Information
Endorsements
ND Dem-NPL District 17
Campaign Email
katiebentond17@gmail.com
Campaign Phone Number
7014127917
What are your top priorities?
I’m focused on fully funding public education, tackling rising costs for families, and protecting access to affordable healthcare. North Dakotans deserve strong schools, fair wages, and reliable care in every community. We need practical solutions that support working families, invest in educators and healthcare workers, and ensure everyone can afford to live, work, and retire with dignity.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
I would work to make health care more affordable by addressing the real drivers of high costs. That includes increasing transparency, reviewing major hospital mergers, limiting unfair billing practices, and using data to reduce waste in the system. Other states have shown these steps can lower prices while keeping care accessible for families across North Dakota.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
Grand Forks is growing, but housing costs are rising beyond what many working families can afford. I support policies that expand affordable housing, invest in the Housing Trust Fund, and ensure families aren’t spending more than 30% of their income on shelter. Every North Dakotan deserves safe, stable, affordable housing in the communities they call home.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
As a lifelong educator and parent in Grand Forks, I believe public funds must stay in public education. With federal support shrinking, North Dakota must fully fund our public schools, not divert dollars to private or charter programs. Our responsibility is to strengthen the schools that serve every child.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
North Dakota’s voting system is safe and secure, with early voting, vote‑by‑mail, and Election Day options that generally work well. I’m concerned about the recent change requiring mailed ballots to be received, not just postmarked, by Election Day. We must ensure equitable access for Tribal communities facing voter ID and address challenges. I support keeping election authority at the state level and protecting strong access so every eligible voter can participate with confidence.
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
The federal government should set basic protections for rights and fairness, but states must retain control of their own processes. I support strong national standards that ensure equal opportunity while allowing states to innovate. Imbalances arise when federal actions undermine rights or restrict states from protecting their citizens.
Biographical Information
What are your top priorities?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
Candidate has not yet responded.