My priorities are fair, timely, and respectful court proceedings; consistent application of the law; careful preparation before every hearing; and clear rulings that people can understand. I would work to reduce unnecessary delay while protecting due process and ensuring that every person who enters the courtroom is heard, treated with dignity, and given a meaningful opportunity to present their case.

I have represented more than 300 clients in North Dakota and Minnesota in criminal, family, civil, and juvenile matters. I have conducted multiple trials and handled contested hearings, motions, negotiations, mediations, and appellate matters. This broad courtroom experience has taught me to prepare thoroughly, manage difficult proceedings, listen carefully, and base decisions on the law and the record.

Judges must apply the sentencing laws enacted by the Legislature and interpreted by the appellate courts. Any changes to sentencing policy are primarily for the Legislature. From the bench, I would focus on individualized, lawful sentences that protect public safety, recognize the seriousness of the offense, consider rehabilitation where appropriate, and treat similarly situated people consistently.

North Dakota can improve access to justice through clearer forms and instructions, expanded legal aid and limited-scope representation, effective use of remote hearings when appropriate, and scheduling practices that reduce unnecessary delay and expense. Courts should communicate in plain language and ensure that self-represented people can understand the process while maintaining neutrality and applying the same law to everyone.

I admire Chief Justice Lisa Fair McEvers for her judicial leadership, her work on domestic violence and family-safety issues, and her historic service as North Dakota’s first woman chief justice.

Providing steady and impartial leadership on the bench, by ensuring that every person who comes into the courtroom is heard, respected, and treated equally and fairly under the law, guided by my 29 years of legal experience. I have been a District Court Judge since 2024 and always strive for fairness and impartiality in my tasks. I am dedicated to ensuring that everyone who needs the Court's assistance has an opportunity to be heard.

I earned my Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law and was licensed in 1997. I then served as a law clerk for Circuit Court Judge James A. Batzer in Western Michigan and then for United States Magistrate Judge A. Harry Branson in the U.S. District Court in Anchorage, Alaska, until 2001. I was a prosecuting attorney and a private practice litigating lawyer from 2001 until my 2024 Judicial appointment. I have tried hundreds of cases in North Dakota and Federal Courts.

As a District Court Judge, my task is to follow the law and apply it fairly and justly. I follow the sentencing laws and requirements that are handed down as law from the Legislature and signed by the Governor. I also follow the sentencing laws and requirements that are interpreted and handed down by the North Dakota Supreme Court. I have no opinion as to any of North Dakota's sentencing laws. I am required to follow the law as it is handed down. If the law changes, I follow the new law.

North Dakota is home to one of the most technologically advanced Court systems in the nation, populated by hard working and intelligent lawyers, and our own excellent Law School. What North Dakota needs are more attorneys who are willing to practice criminal and family law to increase access to justice. Increasing the number of North Dakota lawyers serving all parts of North Dakota was the top priority when I served as SBAND President in 2025.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland, U.S. Court for the District of North Dakota. As a long-serving Judge for the Western Federal District of North Dakota, Judge Hovland was calm and fair to all parties (lawyers and participants alike). Judge Hovland was a student of the law, reading each new case. I will strive to be as intelligent, calm, respectful, and as learned at this amazing Judge.