State Senator District 29 in North Dakota State Senate District 29, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• John Kelly — Retired Certified Nurse Assistant in Pekin, ND

  John Kelly is running as a Democrat for the North Dakota State Senate, representing District 29 in the 2026 election. He resides in Pekin, North Dakota. Kelly brings a diverse background to his campaign, having earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Norwich University. He served in the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. After a career in farming, from which he retired in 1999, Kelly transitioned to working in retail before becoming a certified nurse assistant, a role he held until his retirement in 2022. He will appear on the Democratic primary ballot on June 9, 2026.

• Terry M Wanzek — Incumbent State Senator in Jamestown, ND

  Terry Wanzek, a Republican, has been a significant figure in North Dakota politics, currently representing State Senate District 29. Born in Jamestown, North Dakota, on March 28, 1957, he is an alumnus of Jamestown College. Wanzek's legislative career began in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1992 to 1994. He then served in the State Senate from 1995 to 2003 and returned to the Senate in 2007, where he continues to serve, with his current term ending in December 2026. He previously held the role of President Pro Tempore from 2012 to 2014. Wanzek, who has a background in farming and ranching, is seeking re-election in the Republican primary on June 9, 2026. He also contributes as a Trustee for the University of Jamestown.