Keith Kempenich

Keith Kempenich is a candidate for State Representative District 39 Primary Election in 2026 in North Dakota State House District 39, North Dakota.

Incumbent State Representative in Bismarck, ND

Also running: Sandy Baertsch, Jason Dodge, Mike Schatz.

Keith Kempenich is a long-serving North Dakota State Representative for District 39, a position he has held since 1992. A Republican, he is currently seeking re-election in the 2026 primary election. Throughout his tenure, he has sponsored or co-sponsored significant legislation, including a 2025 bill related to campaign disclosure statements and finance reporting thresholds, a 2023 bill concerning gaming sites and electronic pull tab devices, and a 2021 bill providing appropriations for health care workforce needs in rural areas. His recent legislative activity in January 2026 included voting in favor of appropriations for state departments, a medical facility emergency operating loan program, and changes to the prescriptive authority of pharmacists. He is an experienced legislator aiming to continue his public service.