District 7 Senate candidates make their case to voters around Bismarck

by: Joel Porter

Posted: Jun 3, 2026 / 07:20 PM CDT
Updated: Jun 3, 2026 / 07:20 PM CDT

BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — There will be some new faces at the State Capitol when lawmakers head to Bismarck this winter for the Legislative Session. Right now, candidates around the capital city are making their pitch for why they should be the one to serve in the State Senate for District 7.

School is out and most families are enjoying what’s already a busy summer. But people running for office are trying to encourage voters in North Dakota to show up for the primary.

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So, my values and where I stand on Republican principles will never waiver,” Axtman said.

Axtman is a working mother and previously helped pass the bell to bell no cell-phones in schools bill. She’s now campaigning to ensure boys and girls are prepared for kindergarten.

“As I chair the ND Children’s Cabinet, one issue I’m researching is making sure our kids are ready to enter a school environment, what that means for our educators, and if kids are ready to learn and engage in school,” Sen. Axtman said.

Axtman has the support of Gov. Kelly Armstrong. Last week, Republican challengers, including Hopfauf, criticized the governor for getting involved, arguing he shouldn’t be picking favorites before voters have a say. But Axtman, Hopfauf and Horneman are simply telling people to think for themselves.