District 5 Candidates to Compete for House Seats
Minot voters will head to the polls on November 3 to choose two representatives for the North Dakota House.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Elections
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Four candidates are competing for two open North Dakota House seats in District 5 as Election Day approaches on November 3, 2026. The race features a mix of incumbents and challengers seeking to represent the Minot area in the state legislature.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will determine who represents Minot during the upcoming legislative session in January 2027. Lawmakers will address critical issues, including a flood control project estimated to cost between $800 million and $1 billion.
The race includes two Republican and two Democratic candidates vying for two House seats, while the Senate seat remains uncontested following the retirement of Randy Burckhard. Incumbent Scott Louser brings 16 years of legislative experience to the ballot.
The players
Scott Louser
He is an incumbent state house representative who also serves as a member of the Minot Public School Board.
Roger Brabandt
He is a former member of the North Dakota House of Representatives seeking to return to the legislature.
Zach Raknerud
He is a candidate who has previously sought election to the state legislature and the U.S. House.
Kyle Erickson
He is a candidate who works professionally with the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities.
Jay Fisher
He is the candidate running unopposed for the District 5 Senate seat to replace the retiring Randy Burckhard.
The details
The slate of candidates includes incumbent and Minot Public School Board member Scott Louser, former state house representative Roger Brabandt, repeat candidate Zach Raknerud, and Kyle Erickson of the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities. In the neighboring Senate race, Jay Fisher is set to fill the seat being vacated by the retiring Randy Burckhard.
Timeline
Early voting concludes on October 30, 2026.
Early voting occurs on November 2, 2026.
Election Day occurs on November 3, 2026.
The next legislature session begins in January 2027.
Political Context
Opposing groups and independent voters often raise concerns regarding fiscal responsibility and the prioritization of multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects during the biennial legislative session. These debates highlight the tension between state-level capital investments and local taxpayer interests in Minot.
The elected officials will directly influence local infrastructure funding, including the critical flood control project for the city. Residents should prepare for potential changes in state policy or taxation levels that could affect the municipal budget and local tax obligations.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to utilize early voting sites at the Ward County Administration Building before the November 3 deadline. Reviewing candidate positions on state-funded infrastructure remains the most effective way to understand how the election will impact the region.
What happens next
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026, followed by the commencement of the legislative session in January 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local ballot initiatives and candidate platforms on the Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kfyrtv.
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