State Representative District 17 in North Dakota State House District 17, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• Don Aandal — Candidate for State Representative in ND

  Don Aandal is a Democratic Party candidate seeking election to the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 17. He is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for June 9, 2026. Aandal is not currently an incumbent in this race. As of the provided information, details about his specific campaign themes or policy positions are not yet available, as he has not completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Reed Johnson — Law Student and Legal Intern in Grand Forks, ND

  Reed Johnson is a Republican candidate for the North Dakota House of Representatives in District 17. A West Point graduate and Army veteran, he is currently a law student at the University of North Dakota and a Solicitor General Legal Intern. Johnson has professional experience in strategic consulting and previously worked for Governor Kelly Armstrong. A Grand Forks resident, he is motivated by ensuring an affordable, safe, and opportunity-filled North Dakota for his children. His platform emphasizes local priorities, economic growth, fiscal responsibility, supporting UND, the energy industry, and property tax control.

• Mark Sanford — Incumbent State Representative in Grand Forks, ND

  Mark Sanford, born in Watford City, North Dakota, is a Republican State Representative for District 17. An alumnus of Minot State University and the University of North Dakota, he dedicated his career to K-12 education, serving as an academic administrator and superintendent of the Grand Forks district, which named an office in his honor. First elected to the North Dakota House in 2010, he is an incumbent legislator currently serving until December 2026. He is seeking re-election in the 2026 North Dakota Primary, known for his thoughtful and conscientious approach to lawmaking and ability to work effectively with colleagues.