Agriculture Commissioner North Dakota in Statewide, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• Doug Goehring — Incumbent Agriculture Commissioner in Bismarck, ND

  Doug Goehring is the current North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, a position he has held since being appointed in April 2009. A Republican, he is a third-generation farmer who operates a 2,800-acre no-till farm near Menoken, raising a diverse range of crops. Previously, he challenged the incumbent in the 2004 and 2006 elections. As Commissioner, Goehring is a strong voice for North Dakota agriculture, focusing on protecting producers, strengthening the economy, and ensuring food security. He advocates for conservative solutions, cutting through red tape, and promoting agriculture's value as the state's top industry. He is seeking re-election to continue his work with producers, consumers, and policymakers.

• Vern Thompson — Independent trucker in Fargo, ND

  Vern Thompson, a former North Dakota state lawmaker and independent trucker from Fargo, is a Democratic-NPL candidate for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner. With past service in both the House and Senate, including as Minority Caucus Leader, Thompson is also a former farmer who experienced the 1980s farm crisis. He is campaigning to address the current agricultural crisis, advocating for policies that keep land with family farmers over corporations and out-of-state investors. He pledges transparency on the Industrial Commission, to fight corruption, support a fully funded Permanent Farm Bill, and implement mandatory Country of Origin Labeling to protect North Dakota's vital agricultural sector and rural communities. He believes this role allows him to make a significant impact on the state.