Bachmeier Wins North Dakota Superintendent Race
Levi Bachmeier was elected North Dakota superintendent of public instruction, defeating Tracy Foss in the statewide vote.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Administration
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Voters elected Levi Bachmeier as North Dakota superintendent of public instruction in a statewide election held Tuesday. Unofficial results show Bachmeier received about 63% of the vote to Foss's about 37%.
Why it matters
The superintendent of public instruction oversees the state's public education system, so the result determines who leads that office in North Dakota. Bachmeier had already been serving in the role since being appointed in October 2025 to replace Kirsten Baesler, who resigned to join the U.S. Department of Education.
Unofficial results show Bachmeier received about 63% of the statewide vote, while Foss received about 37%. The percentages are preliminary and based on unofficial returns from the Tuesday election.
The players
Levi Bachmeier
Bachmeier is a former West Fargo Public Schools business manager who was appointed to lead North Dakota's public education office before winning election to the post.
Tracy Foss
Foss was Bachmeier's opponent in the statewide superintendent race and lost the election with about 37% of the unofficial vote.
Kelly Armstrong
Armstrong is the governor of North Dakota who tapped Bachmeier for the superintendent position before the election.
The details
Bachmeier, who previously worked as business manager for West Fargo Public Schools, was first tapped for the post by Gov. Kelly Armstrong before running in the statewide contest against Foss.
Timeline
October 2025: Bachmeier is appointed superintendent, replacing Kirsten Baesler.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Voters cast ballots in the statewide election won by Bachmeier.
Administration Context
The election follows the departure of Kirsten Baesler, who resigned to join the U.S. Department of Education and left the state's top education post open. Bachmeier's win now makes him the officeholder who completes that transition through the voters' choice.
Bachmeier's election determines who sets statewide education policy and oversees public schools in North Dakota going forward. Families and school districts across the state will be affected by decisions made by the officeholder elected Tuesday.
The takeaway
Statewide offices like superintendent of public instruction shape school policy for everyone in the state, so voter participation in these races carries real consequences. Following certified results will confirm the final margin once official counts are complete.
Further reading
Explore more on North Dakota education administration for context on the state's school leadership.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Valleynewslive.
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