State Representative District 1 in North Dakota State House District 1, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• Laurie Garbel — Candidate for State Representative in ND

  Laurie Garbel is a Republican candidate running for election to the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 1. She is listed on the ballot for the Republican primary, which is set to occur on June 9, 2026. Garbel is competing against incumbent David Richter in this primary race. As of now, specific details regarding her campaign themes, policy positions, or any endorsements she may have are not publicly available, nor has she completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Information regarding her campaign finance is also not yet published.

• Alex Johnson — Candidate for North Dakota House of Representatives in ND

  Alex Johnson is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 1. He is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for June 9, 2026, with the general election to follow on November 3, 2026. He is running alongside Steve Thoring in the Democratic primary for two available seats. No specific policy positions or detailed background information are provided in the available search results beyond his candidacy for this state-level legislative office.

• David Richter — Incumbent State Representative in ND

  David Richter is an incumbent Republican State Representative for North Dakota's District 1, having first assumed office in December 2018. An educator by profession, he holds degrees from Minot State University and Wayne State College. He is married to Debbie Richter and has three children. Richter is seeking re-election in the June 2026 Republican primary. His voting record reflects support for pro-education and public service policies, including expanding free school lunches, lowering requirements for lifetime teaching licenses, and opposing private school vouchers. He sponsored an anti-meal shaming bill. However, he also voted in favor of book bans and penalties for librarians, and opposed ending public worker pensions.

• Steve Thoring — Candidate for State Representative in Williston, ND

  Steve Thoring, a Williston resident, is a candidate for the North Dakota House of Representatives for District 1. A graduate of Williston High School, he earned an Associate Degree in Electrical Technology. His career began as an electrician, including serving on a mine rescue team at Homestake Mine, and later as a fatal accident investigator for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration. Thoring is running to bring his practical experience to the legislature, focusing on strengthening schools, supporting local jobs, and ensuring community success. His priorities include making healthcare affordable, expanding housing, investing in infrastructure, promoting fair wages, and supporting small businesses to foster community-wide growth.