ABOUT
MEET MICHELLE
Michelle Axtman is a proven leader, Air Force veteran, and dedicated public servant representing District 7 in the North Dakota Senate. Since her election to the Senate in 2022, Michelle has worked to deliver practical, responsible solutions for North Dakota families.
Support Michelle's Campaign Today
ABOUT
SERVICE. COMMUNITY. FAMILY VALUES
Meet Michelle
Michelle Axtman is a wife, mother, aspiring cattle rancher, proud veteran, and public servant representing District 7 in the North Dakota Senate.
A Bismarck native and graduate of Century High School, Michelle earned her degree in Geospatial Science from the United States Air Force Academy and later a Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Mary.
Michelle served 12 years on active duty as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and continues to serve today as a Major in the Air Force Reserve. Her military service shaped the leadership values she carries into public office — discipline, accountability, teamwork, and mission-focused decision-making.
Michelle and her husband, Benjamin, are proud parents of two children. Rooted in the values that define District 7 — hard work, faith, service, and community — the Axtmans are deeply invested in their church and local community. They are honored to play an active role in strengthening both District 7 and the greater Bismarck area, helping build a brighter future for the next generation.
IMPACT
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP & RESULTS
Michelle Axtman brings a results-driven approach to the North Dakota Senate, focused on strengthening families, growing the economy, and preparing the next generation for success.
In her first term in the North Dakota Senate, Michelle was been instrumental in passing landmark legislation that made a real impact on North Dakota families, schools, and small businesses.
Her leadership has helped:
- Support policies that strengthen education and workforce development;
- Champion responsible budgeting and fiscal discipline in state government;
- Advocate for continued economic growth and opportunity for North Dakota families.
Michelle proven to be an effective leader who delivers impactful results for North Dakota, including:
Enhancing education opportunities
Michelle has emerged as a leading voice on education policy in North Dakota, working across systems to deliver meaningful, long-term improvements from early childhood through workforce development.
Early Childhood Leadership
As Chair of the North Dakota Children’s Cabinet, Michelle is helping lead efforts to improve early learning and school readiness statewide. She was also selected to represent North Dakota at a national governors' policy summit focused on early childhood data systems.
Supporting Educators
Michelle co-sponsored legislation expanding mentorship programs for early-career teachers and improving the lifetime teacher licensure system — reducing barriers, strengthening retention, and supporting those in the classroom.
Workforce & Higher Education
Michelle authored and led passage of a statewide bell-to-bell phone-free schools policy to improve learning environments. She also sponsored legislation establishing public charter schools in North Dakota and serves as a founding legislative member of the state’s Public Charter School Association.
Equity & Opportunity for All Learners
Michelle has championed efforts to better understand and address disparities for students with disabilities and serves in key leadership roles shaping special education policy, including as Vice Chair of the Interim Special Education Funding Task Force.
Equity & Opportunity for All Learners
As Vice Chair of the Workforce Development Committee, Michelle has worked to align education with career opportunities, including expanding scholarship pathways tied to apprenticeships and serving on the Governor’s Workforce Development Council.
Fiscal Responsibility & Government Efficiency
Michelle believes state government should live within its means and operate efficiently.
She has sponsored legislation to review boards and commissions to reduce waste and improve effectiveness. She also led early efforts to reform property taxes by establishing a primary residence tax structure — helping pave the way for broader tax relief for North Dakota families and businesses.
Protecting our Most Vulnerable
Michelle has prioritized policies that support the most vulnerable and strengthen communities, including:
- Expanding and funding behavioral health and mental health services
- Supporting funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Michelle authored and was the prime sponsor for theStatewide Bell-to-Bell Phone-Free Schools Policy passed into law by Gov. Kelly Armstrong
Make A Difference
Be a Part of the Team
This campaign is powered by people who believe in North Dakota.
DONATE
to support outreach and voter engagement
VOLUNTEER
to help share the message
FOLLOW
for campaign news and events
Together, we can keep District 7 strong and North Dakota moving forward.
