North Dakota State Senator District 35 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
What are your top priorities?
My top priority is making sure North Dakota remains affordable, safe, and growing; a place where families can put down roots, where people can thrive at every stage of life, and where young people see a future worth staying for. Government should work for everyday people and reflect their values and priorities. That will always be my focus.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
Healthcare costs impact every North Dakota family. In the Senate, I've led on this — capping insulin at $25 a month, supporting access to affordable health care options, and improving access to mental tele-health services. North Dakotans shouldn't have to choose between their health and their finances. This will continue to be a priority of mine.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
Affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues facing North Dakota families. I've supported historic property tax relief that includes the $1,600 Primary Residence Tax Credit, efforts to lower utility costs, and policies that help seniors and people with disabilities stay in their homes. There's no single solution; it takes all of the above to make North Dakota an affordable place to call home
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
North Dakota’s schools are the backbone of our communities. I’ve been a strong supporter of our teachers, students, and families in our school systems, and I also believe in school choice – giving parents the ability to choose the education that works best for their kids. This includes policies like Education Savings Accounts, which help families cover the cost of education.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
North Dakota has a strong voting system. We have a robust voter ID law, accessible voting for every eligible North Dakotan, and solid measures to protect election integrity. I've been proud to support efforts to keep voting accessible and secure 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?
Decisions should be made as close to home as possible. North Dakotans know what's best for North Dakotans. States' rights exist for a reason — to keep power with the people and to serve as a check on federal overreach.
Biographical Information
Website
http://www.bismanleaders.com/
Campaign Email
dalepittmanforsenate@gmail.com
Campaign Phone Number
7015160004
What are your top priorities?
#1 - Safety - whether the issue involves first responders, data centers, resource extraction, or public infrastructure we must ensure that no individual is at risk of injury or repercutions to their health.
#2 - Prosperity - strategic leadership, and compassionate decision-making focused on improving the economic well-being of every North Dakotan.
#3 - protecting the individual rights and freedoms of all people in North Dakota.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
One practical solution would be to make the ACA penalty significant enough that carrying insurance becomes the more affordable option. The larger conversation involves universal health coverage or a state-run single-payer system
The other side of this issue is accountability. Healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse cost North Dakotans millions of dollars every year. We must strengthen oversight and regulation to protect both taxpayers and patients.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
I firmly believe that when we address wealth inequality and strengthen the lower and middle class, we will naturally see greater levels of home ownership. Strong communities are built through stable families, neighborhoods, and long-term investment in property ownership.
I would rather see our cities grow through single-family neighborhoods and home ownership opportunities than endless rows of apartment complexes. Expanding pathways to affordable home ownership should be a long-term priority.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
I strongly oppose redirecting taxpayer dollars to private schools. We should be doubling down on our investment in public education and higher education as part of a long-term strategy to grow our communities and economy.
I fully respect the right of families to choose religious or private education for their children. That is their choice and their investment. Public tax dollars, however, should remain focused on strengthening the public education system that serves all North Dakotans.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
North Dakota generally does a good job conducting fair and accessible elections. We have early voting, absentee voting, and provisional ballots for voters who require eligibility verification.
One concern I do have involves redistricting. Legislative district maps are drawn through the political process.
I support creating an independent redistricting commission that would draw district maps based on population data and fairness — not partisan advantage or voter rolls.
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 overreach of federal enforcement agencies is one of the reasons I decided to enter politics. Watching heavily armed raids, warrantless tactics, violent confrontations, and the treatment of families and children shook my faith in what professional law enforcement should represent.
I spent my career in law enforcement, and I believe public safety must always be balanced with constitutional rights, accountability, and human dignity. No agency should operate beyond oversight or above the law.