State Senator District 3 in North Dakota State Senate District 3, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• Bob Paulson — Incumbent State Senator in ND

  Bob Paulson is an incumbent Republican State Senator for North Dakota's District 3, currently seeking re-election in the 2026 Primary. A retired Navy pilot and rancher, he assumed his current Senate office in December 2022, following a term in the North Dakota House of Representatives. Paulson's platform emphasizes the sanctity of life, parental rights in education, and low taxes. His legislative record shows a focus on these areas; for example, he sponsored bills related to parental rights, educational concepts, and book bans. He also voted against expanding free school lunch and childcare funding, and against protecting higher education tenure. He previously voted to end the NDPERS pension for public workers.

• Michael Thiesen — Candidate for State Senator in ND

  Michael Thiesen is a Democratic candidate for the North Dakota State Senate, seeking to represent District 3 in the 2026 election. He is campaigning on a commitment to actively engage with all constituents, fostering understanding and finding effective solutions to community problems. Thiesen believes that extensive conversations with people in the district, regardless of their political views, are essential for proper representation and problem-solving. He aims to talk to everyone to accurately represent all residents once elected.