North Dakota State Representative District 27 Choose 2
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.
Biographical Information
Endorsements
ND Dem-NPL Progressive Voters Network Red River Valley Democratic Socialists of America
Website
http://www.brucefor27nd.com
Campaign Email
brucefor27nd@gmail.com
Campaign Phone Number
(701)866-8173
What are your top priorities?
School lunches for EVERY child
Affordability for families
People over politics
Listening to the concerns in my district to give the PEOPLE a voice
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
If healthcare is out of reach , it doesn't work. With federal cuts there is going to be hard work ahead and I'll do my best to help make healthcare affordable and accessible for all of North Dakota
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
There is an urgent need for AFFORDABLE housing. Zoning reform, streamlining permitting and lowering development fees can lower construction costs. that also comes along with developers being upfront with costs for homebuyers and taking city expansion cost so the whole of the city is not burdened.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
I appose voucher program proposals. The constitution of North Dakota (Article VIII) states that the state must provide a uniform free and non religious public education system. The taxes we all pay are for this. Taking any of this money for other programs is against the constitution and would hurt rural schools and teachers that should be paid a living wage for educating our future of North Dakota.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
Having participated in a volunteer in a recent election , our system in North Dakota is one of the most secure in the country. Our voting machines are NOT connected to the internet and go thru several steps of verification . Our poll workers are dedicated to impartial elections and our thanks!
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
Under the 10th amendment powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states. At this present time I believe the federal government is overreaching its authority in our elections , education and public safety.
Biographical Information
Endorsements
Governor Armstrong, Senator Hoeven, FM Realtors, Dr. William Welder
Website
http://friendsofkessel.org/
Campaign Email
KesselDistrict27@gmail.com
Campaign Phone Number
7016907776
What are your top priorities?
Economic Development-For seven years as Deputy Commerce Commissioner/COO for North Dakota, I worked on the front lines of growing our state’s economy. Smart Growth - I was a City Administrator in two ND cities (Wahpeton and Dickinson). While in Dickinson the oil boom occurred and high growth was a way of life for several years. Strong Families-My wife and I have been foster parents for 5+ years. I've seen firsthand the value of stable and supportive parents/homes.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
My first job out of college was in health care. I started as a social worker and was promoted to Executive Director of a LTC facility. I think ND can lower healthcare costs by attacking prices, utilization, workforce, and prevention—without weakening rural access. Increase price transparency & competition, grow the healthcare workforce, shift from sick care to prevention, reduce regulatory friction and support strong families and local care.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
Addressing North Dakota’s housing needs requires a practical, pro-growth approach that increases supply, reduces barriers, and supports strong communities. During my time as Deputy Commerce Commissioner/COO, I had the opportunity to serve on a statewide Housing Task Force. That experience made one thing clear: housing challenges in North Dakota aren’t caused by a single issue—they’re the result of workforce shortages, regulatory friction, rising construction costs, and rapidly shifting demand
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
I support education—period. The goal should be to to ensure every child in North Dakota has access to a high-quality education that fits their needs, whether that’s public school, private school, or homeschooling.
Public schools will and should remain the backbone of our communities. They serve the vast majority of students, especially in rural North Dakota, and they deserve strong, reliable funding.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
ND has been long recognized for strong civic engagement & accessible elections. I believe our voting system should continue to balance two important principles: protecting election integrity & ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to vote. At the end of the day, voting is one of the most important responsibilities & rights we have as citizens. Our goal should be a system that is secure, accessible, efficient, & trusted by voters.
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 has an important but limited role: provide for national defense, regulate interstate commerce, protect constitutional rights, and set a consistent framework where uniformity is necessary. The states, under the Tenth Amendment, retain broad authority over most day-to-day governance—things like education, public safety, healthcare delivery, and land use. That balance isn’t accidental; it reflects a belief that decisions are best made closest to the people they affect.
Biographical Information
Endorsements
Senator John Hoeven
Website
http://Gregstemen.com
Campaign Email
gregorystemen@gmail.com
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/stemennd27
Campaign Phone Number
5078287836
What are your top priorities?
Finishing Flood Diversion in RRV area. Continuing to work on Red River Water Supply. Working to get a Natural Gas Pipeline to Eastern ND from our western oil fields. In addition, Property Tax relief and housing issue.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
Not an easy task, anywhere in this country right now. It will take a multi-pronged approach, including all aspects: Pharmaceutical companies, Insurance companies, Providers. We are at an affordability tipping point.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
Affordable housing is a critical issue right now. How do we reasonably construct affordable housing without doing all of it at the expense of the taxpayers? I believe all avenues must be pursed. If it takes state investment to reduce further investment down the line, that is a discussion worth having.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
Any investment in education should be focused on the students rather than the venue affiliation. I am a fan of Educational Savings Accounts that can be utilized for a multitude of purposes.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
North Dakota is the best state in the union at conducting elections. It has been proven through multiple MIT studies. I have worked the voting stations and have seen, first hand, how seriously people take the sanctity of our election systems in ND.
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
State law that conflicts with existing federal law is a waste of the taxpayer dollars. At the same time, states’ rights must be respected in order to protect from federal overreach. ND’s DEQ is a great example of how to handle that situation.