No governor's race. Nine contests anyway.
North Dakota does not elect a governor this cycle, which is exactly why the rest of the ballot decides more than usual. Seven statewide executive contests, two Supreme Court races, and both constitutional measures, in plain language and with nobody telling you how to vote.
- Both sides, no spin
- Both ballot measures
- Numbered sources
- Instant PDF download
Each candidate's case, and the case against
Every contest gives each candidate equal space, then the criticism, attributed to whoever made it.
The measure that changes the rules
Measure 1 would raise the bar for every future constitutional amendment to 60%, while needing only a simple majority to pass itself.
The measure that got struck
A third measure, on legislative term limits, was removed by the state Supreme Court in June, and the other two were renumbered. We explain what happened.
Sourced and dated
Numbered sources for every factual claim, listed at the back, checked September 23, 2026.
What's inside
Nine statewide contests and both constitutional measures.
Secretary of State
Michael Howe against Ryan Braunberger, on election administration and business filings.
Attorney General
Drew Wrigley against Tim Lamb, on sentencing, treatment, and enforcement priorities.
Agriculture Commissioner
Doug Goehring against Vern Thompson, for a seat on the Industrial Commission.
Tax Commissioner
Brian Kroshus against Mark Nelson, on how the state's tax rules get applied.
Public Service Commission, 6 years
Sheri Haugen-Hoffart against John Pederson, on pipelines, siting, and utility rates.
Public Service Commission, 2 years
Jill Kringstad against Scot Kelsh, for the remainder of an unexpired term.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Levi Bachmeier against Tracy Layne Foss, on teaching, staffing, and school funding.
Supreme Court
Jerod Tufte against Ariston Johnson, for a full ten-year term.
Supreme Court, unexpired term
Douglas Bahr, the only candidate listed for the remaining eight years.
Measures 1 & 2
The 60% amendment threshold, and free school breakfast and lunch.
Get the full 2026 North Dakota Voter Guide
Nine statewide contests and both measures. Instant PDF download.
Get the guide · $9.99What format is it?
A PDF you download the moment you buy. Read it on your phone or computer, or print it to take to the polls.
Is it partisan?
No. PolitiGeist is independent and makes no endorsement in any contest or on either measure.
What does it cover?
Secretary of State, Attorney General, Agriculture Commissioner, Tax Commissioner, both Public Service Commission seats, Superintendent of Public Instruction, both Supreme Court contests, and Measures 1 and 2. Federal, legislative, district, and local races aren't included.
Why is there no governor's race?
North Dakota elects its governor in presidential years, so the office is not on this ballot. The next one is 2028.