State Senator District 47 in North Dakota State Senate District 47, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• Mike Dwyer — Incumbent State Senator in Bismarck, ND

  Mike Dwyer is an incumbent Republican State Senator representing District 47 in North Dakota, seeking re-election in the 2026 primary. First elected in 2018, he has served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and on the Senate Transportation Committee. He also sits on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Water Topics Overview Committee. Dwyer is known for his strong pro-life voting record and has been recognized as a Chamber Champion for business, advocating for conservative principles. Outside of politics, he is a partner in the Dwyer Law Office and previously coached varsity boys basketball. He aims to continue working for Republican policies that benefit North Dakota residents.

• Bill Patrie — Retired economic development leader and cooperative development specialist in Bismarck, ND

  Bill Patrie, a retired economic development leader and cooperative development specialist, is running for the North Dakota State Senate in District 47 as a Democratic-NPL candidate in the 2026 primary. A long-time Bismarck area resident, Patrie was motivated by concerns about state and national leadership, aiming to foster common purpose in the legislature. His vision includes creating a welcoming state that values ethnic and cultural diversity. Priorities for his campaign include thriving rural communities, affordable health care for all, support for small businesses, and environmental protection. He previously served as director of the North Dakota Economic Development Commission and promoted value-added agriculture cooperatives.