State Representative District 39 in North Dakota State House District 39, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• Sandy Baertsch — Candidate for North Dakota House of Representatives - District 39 in ND

  Sandy Baertsch is a Democratic Party candidate currently running for election to the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 39. She is slated to appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary, which is scheduled for June 9, 2026. The general election for the North Dakota House of Representatives is set to occur on November 3, 2026.

• Jason Dodge — Small business owner, public servant in Bowman, ND

  Jason Dodge, a Republican, served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1996 to 2007. His career includes work in North Dakota's energy sector, small business, and law enforcement, rising to corrections leadership as an Acting Captain. He also served overseas as a Personal Security Specialist with the U.S. Department of State. A public servant and small business owner, Dodge is seeking election to the North Dakota House of Representatives, District 39, in the 2026 primary. His platform prioritizes supporting farmers, ranchers, local economies, and advocating for responsible energy development.

• Keith Kempenich — Incumbent State Representative in Bismarck, ND

  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.

• Mike Schatz — Incumbent State Representative in ND

  Mike Schatz, a Republican, is the incumbent North Dakota State Representative for District 39, serving since December 1, 2022. He is running for re-election in the Republican primary on June 9, 2026. Schatz boasts an extensive political background, previously representing District 36 from 2008 to 2022 and serving an earlier term from 1988 to 1990. Born March 28, 1952, in New England, North Dakota, he holds a degree from Minot State University. Although his current policy positions are not yet detailed in public surveys, his long legislative tenure underscores his dedication to state governance.