State Representative District 47 in North Dakota State House District 47, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• Rosann Jacobs-Fode — Teacher in Bismarck, ND

  Rosann Jacobs-Fode, a Bismarck resident for 32 years, is seeking election to the North Dakota House of Representatives for District 47 in the 2026 Democratic primary. Originally from Dickinson, she spent her early years on the Standing Rock Reservation before moving to Bismarck. An accomplished educator, she holds a Master of Education and a Secondary Principal Credential, and has taught at Bismarck High School for 19 years, specializing in Advanced Placement and dual credit English courses. Jacobs-Fode is running to address what she sees as partisan policies in the legislature, advocating for strengthening public education funding, expanding career and technical education, protecting affordable healthcare, defending personal freedoms, and ensuring responsible government spending. She emphasizes her background as an educator uniquely positions her to advocate for North Dakota families.

• Jon Lee — School Board Member, Small Business Owner, and Commercial REALTOR® in Bismarck, ND

  Jon Lee is running for the North Dakota House of Representatives, District 47, in the Republican primary on June 9, 2026. He brings a background as a small business owner, commercial REALTOR®, and a current member of the Bismarck Public School Board. Lee aims to introduce a practical, community-first approach to the Legislature, advocating for diplomacy over division. His campaign is guided by conservative principles, emphasizing faith, family, community, and hard work. He plans to focus on strengthening education, supporting small businesses, and ensuring responsible state spending, believing in governance that respects taxpayers and fosters unity.

• Cole Montoya — Production assistant at KXMC-TV in Bismarck, ND

  Cole Montoya, a Bismarck resident and production assistant at KXMC-TV, is running for the North Dakota House of Representatives in District 47 as a Democrat. Endorsed by the North Dakota Dem-NPL Region 6, he aims to be a voice for everyday North Dakotans and his generation. His platform addresses the rising costs of housing, education, and basic necessities, advocating for affordable living for all full-time workers. Montoya also expresses concern for North Dakota's natural environment, opposing increased coal production, renewable energy rollbacks, and unregulated AI data centers. He emphasizes bridging partisan divides and empowering young adult constituents. With an associate's degree in studio and television production, he plans to further his education in political science. This is his first run for elected office.

• Michael Motschenbacher — Incumbent North Dakota House of Representatives - District 47 in ND

  Michael Motschenbacher is an incumbent North Dakota State Representative for District 47, seeking re-election in the 2026 North Dakota Primary Election. He currently holds his office until December 2026. Motschenbacher's platform focuses on key areas including criminal justice and public safety, advocating for tougher measures against career criminals, supporting law enforcement and the military, and ensuring safe communities. He emphasizes the importance of quality education and a strong commitment to the right to bear arms. On economic issues, he aims to promote strong families, create good job opportunities, ensure access to affordable housing, and provide incentives for quality daycare. Additionally, he supports lowering income taxes with an ultimate goal of elimination, aiming to leave more money in the pockets of North Dakota citizens.