State Senator District 31 in North Dakota State Senate District 31, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• Mary Graner — Rancher and Media Co-host in Mandan, ND

  Mary Graner is a Republican candidate for the North Dakota State Senate, District 31, motivated by patriotism and a commitment to conservative values. Raised on a ranch, she is an entrepreneur, farmer, and co-host of "Ladies of Another View," also known as "The Corn Lady." She represents North Dakota on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. Graner’s campaign emphasizes protecting life, defending property rights, supporting value-based education, and ensuring proper veteran care. Her political engagement deepened after observing systemic issues during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, leading her to challenge the status quo and hold elected officials accountable.

• Donald Schaible — Incumbent State Senator in Mott, ND

  Donald Schaible, born in Elgin, North Dakota in 1957, is a Republican State Senator representing District 31. A farmer by profession, he earned an Associate degree in Agriculture from NDSU. Schaible has a long history of community service, including as past president of the Mott/Regent School Board, an EMT for the Mott Ambulance Service, and a member of the Mott Volunteer Fire Brigade. He has served in the Senate since 2010 and held the position of President Pro Tempore from 2023-2025. He is currently on committees such as Appropriations and chairs the School Funding Task Force, reflecting his focus on education and finance. Married to Carmen, he has four children.

• Kelly Spilman — Sales representative in Mandan, ND

  Kelly Spilman is seeking election to the North Dakota State Senate, representing District 31, as a Democratic candidate in the 2026 election. She will appear on the Democratic primary ballot on June 9, 2026, and has already secured the endorsement of the district 31 Democratic-NPL Party. Professionally, Spilman serves as a sales representative for MSD (Merck) and has been recognized with numerous company awards for her exceptional sales performance and contributions to diversity and inclusion. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Spilman is based in Mandan, North Dakota.