State Representative District 42 in North Dakota State House District 42, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• Nicole Derenne — Educator at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND

  Nicole Derenne, a Democratic candidate, is seeking a seat in the North Dakota House of Representatives, District 42. An educator and community leader with over two decades of experience, she currently teaches at the University of North Dakota and chairs the Grand Forks Public Library Foundation Board. Her platform prioritizes Grand Forks-area families, advocating for strong schools, competitive teacher pay, and mental health resources. She also champions affordable housing, expanded childcare, better access to behavioral health care, and aging-in-place supports. Derenne proposes policies to foster a growing local workforce through competitive family farms and employer-aligned training. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctor of Education.

• Ethan Harsell — Student in Grand Forks, ND

  Ethan Harsell is a Republican candidate for the North Dakota House of Representatives, District 42. A senior at the University of North Dakota studying political science and unmanned aircraft systems, he is also an Eagle Scout and former aquatics instructor. Harsell is running to provide results-focused leadership, believing that "North Dakota families are working harder than ever, but government keeps taking more." His platform prioritizes addressing workforce shortages, rising property taxes, education reform, and public safety. He advocates for economic freedom, strong families, constitutional government, lower taxes, and creating economic opportunities. Harsell has also pledged his support for congressional term limits.

• Dustin Mcnally — Incumbent State Representative in Grand Forks, ND

  Dustin McNally serves as a State Representative for North Dakota's District 42, having been appointed in September 2025 and currently seeking reelection in the 2026 primary. He earned degrees from the University of North Dakota and has a background as an engineer. McNally works as Assistant Dean for Student Success in the UND College of Engineering & Mines, and resides in Grand Forks with his partner, Amy. His policy focus includes strengthening aviation, manufacturing, and energy development, while advocating for responsible budgeting, lower property taxes, and support for education and essential services. An Eagle Scout, he brings a practical, solutions-oriented perspective, honed through extensive prior campaigning.

• Connie Osowski — Candidate for State Representative in ND

  Connie Osowski is a Republican candidate seeking election to the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 42. She is on the ballot for the special Republican primary scheduled for June 9, 2026. Osowski is campaigning for a seat in the state legislature and is the wife of incumbent Representative Doug Osowski. She is running against Dustin McNally and Ethan Harsell in her primary contest.