2026 Election Results: What They Mean for North Dakota Business.

The 2026 election brought changes to North Dakota's political landscape, with results that offer important insight into voter priorities, the state's business climate, and the makeup of the next Legislative Assembly.

While voter turnout was historically low, the outcomes send signals on issues ranging from property taxes and economic development to the direction of state policy. For GNDC, the election also marks an important transition as we prepare to work with newly elected and returning lawmakers to advance policies that support North Dakota's business community.

Below, we break down the key election results, emerging trends, and outcomes of the ND Chamber PAC's candidate support efforts.

Voter Turnout Was Disappointing
Going by percentage alone, this was the lowest general election voter turnout in 50 years. North Dakota’s turnout was just 39.8% of eligible voters, with 239,057 ballots cast, compared with approximately 63% in 2024 and 43% in the 2022 midterm. The last time fewer people voted in a North Dakota midterm was 2006. The last election with the U.S. House race at the top of the ticket—without a president, governor, or U.S. Senate race—was 2014, when turnout was 46.8%. A key takeaway is that significant work remains when it comes to civic engagement and voter participation.

Both Statewide Measures Failed
Despite considerable support from the Governor, GNDC, and many partner organizations, Measure 1 which would have raised the approval threshold for constitutional amendments to 60% failed with only 43.5% of the vote. The measure faced an effective, well-funded opposition campaign backed by substantial out-of-state financial support.
 
While Measure 2, related to school lunches, received strong support in early polling, it fell short with just 49.4% of the votes.

Voters Remain Sensitive to Property Taxes
Voters considered twelve county measures. Two counties, Divide and Traill, asked to exceed the Legislature’s 3% property tax cap. Voters rejected both requests. They also rejected seven of eight county mill levy proposals, ranging from road and bridge funding to Extension services.
 
Of the five city and school measures directly involving property taxes, three failed. Voters approved Fargo Public Schools’ continuation of its existing excess mill levy authority and a levy for Rolette fire department capital improvements. Bismarck and Surrey school bonds received majority support but did not reach the required 60%.
 
Overall, this indicates that voters are still very sensitive to property taxes, even with the Primary Residence Credit.

Harwood Rejected Additional Industrial Reviews
Interestingly, Harwood voters soundly rejected a measure that would have required significant additional reviews before the city could approve large industrial projects, including data centers. The measure failed with 75.6% voting no.
 
No Surprises in Statewide Races
All statewide incumbents seeking reelection were successful. Perhaps one of the more closely watched statewide races was the Agriculture Commissioner race between incumbent Doug Goehring and Vern Thompson. Thompson made slowing data center development a central campaign issue, calling for a statewide moratorium, stronger local control, a ban on NDAs, and additional requirements for developers. Ultimately, voters disagreed, and he garnered only 37% of the votes.
 
It should be noted that in a handful of counties, several of the statewide races favored the Democrat candidates. For example, in Cass County, the Democratic candidate received the majority of votes for the following races: US Congress, Secretary of State, Agriculture Commissioner, and both Public Service Commissioner seats. 

The Legislature Continues to Change
For the 2026 combined election cycle, the ND Chamber PAC supported 52 legislative candidates. Ultimately, 44 of those were successful, resulting in an 85% success rate. Seventeen of the 44 are new to the legislature, and 13 are returning Chamber Champions.
 
Diving deeper, seven newly elected Republicans will replace lawmakers who’s average 2025 Chamber Champion score was 50%—an F. These changes occurred in Districts 3, 7, 15, 23, and 33. We are hopeful these new lawmakers will be stronger partners on business issues.
 
The Democrats picked up some seats, with overall net gains in both the House (+3) and the Senate (+1.) In Grand Forks (D43), Senate Industry and Business Committee Chair Jeff Barta will be replaced by Mary Adams. Adams previously served in the House from 2019-2022 and had a lifetime Chamber Champion score of 60%. On the House side, Democrats picked up seats in both Grand Forks (D42 & D43) and Fargo (D41.) This may signal changing demographics, particularly in the eastern part of the state.
 
At GNDC, we are optimistic about makeup of the 70th Legislative Assembly and look forward to working with them to advance policies that support a strong business climate and economic growth in our state.