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Fargo First, Fargo, ND (2026)

06/17/2026

Does this make sense to you?

The bigger issue isn't whether someone became rich. it's whether taxpayer dollars are being protected!

Americans expect Congress to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse, regardless of who is involved. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that can't be used for public safety, roads, schools, or reducing the burden on taxpayers.

Political debates about billionaires and wealth will continue, but government accountability should never take a back seat. Taxpayers deserve answers, transparency, and consequences when public funds are misused.

Americans shouldn't care how much money someone has nearly as much as they care about how their tax dollars are being spent!

What do you think Congress should be focusing on right now?

06/16/2026

A safer Fargo starts with honest conversations and accountable leadership.

No matter where you stand politically, everyone wants neighborhoods where families feel safe, businesses can thrive, schools are safe, and children can play without worry.

Every resident has a different answer, but public safety remains one of the top concerns we hear about across the city. You always hear 2 sides to every debate.

Side 1: I live in downtown. I walk downtown all the time including at night. I have never felt unsafe.

Side 2: I refuse to go downtown because of the reputation. Businesses are closing left and right downtown due to crime and homelessness. Perception is reality and reality is that downtown is unsafe.

What should city leaders prioritize first?

-More Police Officers?
-Tougher Enforcement?
- More Treatment Options?
-Better Mental Health Resources?

06/15/2026

Here's a reality that more people need to come to terms with:

Government cannot solve every problem in your life. Too many people on the left want to give their problems to the Government and have them take care of them for them.

-I am poor. Government give me free money.
-I am a drug addict. Government find treatment for me.
-I am homeless. Government find a cheap home for me.
-My business is failing. Government make my business become lucrative.
-We want peace and we want countries on the other side of the world to get along. Government make them agree with each other and Government tell the people thousands of miles away to issue a cease fire.
-I am unemployed. Government find a job for me.
-I have too many kids. Government help me raise my family.

If you think it's normal to ask the government for help, you're part of the problem!

If the idea of government intervention into your life doesn't give you anxiety, you're part of the problem!

It is not the goal of the Government to solve your problems. They are not here to come up with a way to feed you, house you, provide you with healthcare, educate you or your kids, to be involved in your marriage, or plan for your retirement.

Common sense goes a long way when it comes to solving your problems.

The more responsibility we surrender to government, the less responsibility we accept for ourselves!

06/14/2026

Fargo Wards For Equal Representation turned in more than 4,900 signatures on June 5th. The petition requires 4,159 valid signatures to qualify.

Under North Dakota law, the City Auditor has approximately 30 days to review and verify the submitted signatures. If enough valid signatures are confirmed, the City of Fargo would be required to hold a special election within 60 to 90 days.

If voters approve the ward proposal, Fargo would move from its current at-large commission system to a ward-based system. Because this would represent a major change to the city's form of representation, additional steps would likely be required to establish ward boundaries and implement the new structure. At this point the city commissioners would go from city commissioners to councilman.

Based on our research and discussions with individuals familiar with municipal government, an independent boundary committee or similar body would likely be appointed to draw ward boundaries with roughly equal populations and contiguous territory. The exact implementation process, however, would ultimately be determined by applicable state law, city ordinances, and legal guidance.

When the new City Commission takes office on July 1st, it is possible that multiple commissioners will be residing in the same ward under a new ward system. As a result, one or even two commissioners may need to be assigned to represent a ward in which they are currently not living in during the transition period.

If that occurs, the 2 wards without a councilman representation could have candidates begin collecting signatures to qualify for a special election, depending on the final implementation plan and applicable state law. Under a ward system, only residents of that particular ward would be eligible to vote for candidates seeking to represent that ward on the City Commission.

At this point, many of the details remain unclear, and the city may choose to take the process one step at a time as legal and administrative questions are addressed. The exact implementation has not yet been determined and will ultimately depend on how the city proceeds if voters approve a ward system. The information we are sharing reflects research and discussions based on available sources and conversations with individuals familiar with the situation, but it should not be interpreted as certain or official.

06/12/2026

We know many Fargo residents are concerned about the current direction of Fargo and broader policy decisions impacting our communities given the election results on Tuesday night. It’s also important to remember the role of State Government in North Dakota’s policy landscape.

North Dakota operates under a system where state law takes precedence over conflicting city ordinances, a principle commonly referred to as state preemption. Because of this, many policy discussions at the local level ultimately connect to decisions made in the state legislature.

North Dakota is still very much a "Red State" and it is likely to become even "More Red" after the November election.

Currently, Republicans hold overwhelming majorities in the North Dakota Legislature:

• North Dakota Senate: 42 of 47 seats (89%)
• North Dakota House of Representatives: 83 of 94 seats (88%)

Regardless of what happens in local elections, it's important to remember that many major policy decisions ultimately flow through the state legislature. North Dakota remains one of the most Republican controlled states in the nation!

Over the past few months, Fargo First has been in communication with many state legislators ahead of the upcoming legislative session in January. Without going into full detail on draft proposals, here are some of the policy areas that Fargo First has been discussing with state legislators ahead of the 2027 legislative session:

1. The Legislative Assembly will review Senate Bill 2320 and North Dakota's statewide harm reduction policies to determine whether current syringe exchange programs are meeting their intended public health goals. Potential reforms could include enhanced accountability measures, stronger reporting requirements, greater local control, mandatory treatment referrals, and more than likely, a repeal of the statute altogether if lawmakers determine the program no longer serves the best interests of North Dakota communities.

2. School curriculum standards, with an emphasis on policies related to age-appropriate instruction. Implementing stricter laws in North Dakota public schools and a complete ban on teachers exposing children, and teachers having lessons on homosexuality, transgenderism, and sexual ideology and how those such topics are addressed in public schools.

3. Election timing for mayoral races, specifically passing a Bill moving mayoral elections in North Dakota cities to the November general election cycle. This would move municipal mayoral elections in North Dakota from June of even-numbered years to the November general election, beginning with the next applicable election cycle, and provides transition provisions to ensure orderly implementation across all cities.

4. Local law enforcement coordination, ensuring clarity around when and how local agencies can cooperate with federal immigration enforcement operations, consistent with applicable law. This more than likely will not be a problem in Fargo with our new police chief, but just making sure that individual cities across ND can not keep local law enforcement from intervening and helping out with situations involving ICE.

5. Drug enforcement and public safety, including stronger penalties for fentanyl trafficking and expanded support for drug courts and addiction recovery programs.

These are among several policy discussions expected to be part of the 2027 legislative session, and additional proposals are still under development. Fargo First maintains excellent ongoing working relationships with many members of the state legislature and will continue to engage in thoughtful discussion and provide recommendations as these ideas are refined. Not to worry Fargo First followers! We don't need to make North Dakota Great Again! North Dakota is already great!

If you have ideas or feedback, you’re encouraged to share them through comments or direct messages, as many state legislators and community stakeholders follow these discussions closely.

06/11/2026

The election is over. Now it's time to move forward.

First, we want to congratulate those who were elected by the voters of Fargo and Cass County:

For Mayor: Josh Boschee

For City Commission: Nikki Gullickson and Chad Peterson

For School Board: Melissa Burkland, Robin Nelson, Greg Clark, Katie Christensen Mineer, and Jolene Garty.

For Park Board: Vicki Dawson, Joe Deutsch, and Emily Secor May.

Over the past several months, Fargo First has been very critical of some of the candidates and some of the ideas being discussed in our community. Emotions have run high, and in the heat of the campaign, many people, including our own Fargo First team have made comments such as, "Fargo is doomed," "Fargo will become a mini Minneapolis," or "Fargo will become a sanctuary city."

The election is now behind us.

Many of the candidates who were not successful have already conceded and thanked their supporters. That's how democracy works. The voters have spoken, and now it's time to give our newly elected leaders the opportunity to lead.

We may not agree with every policy proposal or every vote that will be cast, but we believe it's important to give these officials a fair chance to serve the community. Give Mayor-elect Josh Boschee a chance. Give the new commissioners a chance. Give the new school board and park board members a chance.

Most importantly, stay engaged.

Build relationships with your elected officials. Attend meetings. Share your concerns. Offer solutions. Make recommendations. Let your voice be heard. Civic engagement doesn't end on Election Day, it begins there.

And while this chapter has closed, another important one is already approaching. The November legislative elections will feature several closely contested races that will help shape the future of North Dakota.

For now, let's turn down the temperature, remain respectful, and work together to make Fargo the best community it can be.

The campaign is over. The work of governing begins now.

06/10/2026

Governor Kelly Armstrong has stepped into local races with endorsements this cycle. He has thrown his weight behind approximately 20 candidates across various legislative districts and statewide races. The North Dakota governor contributed nearly $200,000 to 20 allies.

West Fargo Rep. Ben Koppelman called out the move, questioning whether statewide officials should be influencing local elections. The lawmaker accused Armstrong of trying to buy legislative influence and unlawfully influence the State Legislature by backing candidates who may be more aligned with his executive policies.

Armstrong has firmly defended his actions, stating that the donations are legal, raised from donors who support his agenda, and given without strings attached. He views the financial support as a way to back results-driven candidates who focus on property tax relief, education, and reducing government waste.

The full list of Armstrong’s campaign contributions to candidates is as follows:

$25,000 to Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, PSC six-year term
$25,000 to Jill Kringstad, PSC two-year term
$25,000 to Levi Bachmeier, superintendent of public instruction
$10,000 to Blaine Deslauriers, District 3 House candidate
$10,000 to Timothy Mihalick, District 3 House candidate
$5,000 to Steve Sauter, District 7 House candidate
$5,000 to Greg Vetter, District 7 House candidate
$10,000 to Sen. Michelle Axtman, District 7
$10,000 to West Fargo District 13 legislators
$3,300 to Rep. Austen Schauer, District 13
$3,300 to Rep. Jim Jonas, District 13
$3,300 to Sen. Judy Lee, District 13
$5,000 to Corey Johnson, District 23 House candidate
$5,000 to Terry Goerger, District 25 House candidate
$5,000 to Rep. Greg Stemen, District 27
$5,000 to Shawn Kessel, District 27 House candidate
$10,000 to Sen. Don Schaible, District 31
$10,000 to Michael Heger, District 33 House candidate
$500 to Kylan Klauzer, District 37 House candidate
$10,000 to Sen. Greg Kessel, District 39
$10,000 to Rep. Dustin McNally, District 42

Should state leaders be endorsing in local races?

What do you think?

06/09/2026

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

VOTE LIKE OUR CHILDREN MATTER! VOTE LIKE OUR GRANDCHILDREN MATTER!

Today is Election Day! Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Fargo voters can cast their ballot at any of these voting centers.

El Zagal Shrine
1429 3rd Street North, Fargo, ND 58102

Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 University Drive South, Fargo, ND 58104
Door 8 – West Side of Building

Ramada Inn
3333 13th Avenue South, Fargo, ND 58103
Woodland Conference Center Door – East Side of Building

Fargo Civic Center
207 4th Street North, Fargo, ND 58102

FARGODOME
1800 University Drive North, Fargo, ND 58102

Fargo Parks Sports Center
6100 38th Street South, Fargo, ND 58104

Bring a valid North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID, tribal ID, or other accepted identification.

Every vote matters. Take a few minutes today to make your voice heard and help shape Fargo's future.

Polls close at 7:00 PM, don't wait until the last minute!

06/08/2026

People always ask, "What can I do to help?"

Did you donate?

Did you volunteer to door knock?

Did you help put up yard signs?

Have you been active on social media supporting the candidates you believe in?

All of those opportunities have largely come and gone. But now you have one last chance to make a difference.

Grab your phone.

Copy the picture in this post or copy the link.

Open your text messages and send it to every Fargo voter you know.

Tell them:

"Tomorrow is your last opportunity to vote. If you haven't voted yet, here is a picture (or link, if you would rather text that) to the candidates I recommend. Please make sure you get out and vote."

A simple text message can make a huge difference. Many people are busy, distracted, or simply forget that Election Day is here.

Take five minutes. Send tons of texts. Help get voters to the polls.

Tomorrow, when the polls close, you'll know you did everything you could to help build a better Fargo for our kids and grandkids!

Mark Twain once said, "Never regret anything that made you smile." These 7 candidates give our Fargo First team real reason to smile and feel encouraged about the direction of the City of Fargo.

https://fargoscandidates.my.canva.site

06/08/2026

Fargo First doesn't usually get involved in West Fargo elections, but some races are too important to ignore. While Fargo First is focused on issues affecting Fargo, we recognize that decisions made in neighboring communities often impact the entire metro area. That's why we are encouraging West Fargo residents to support John Severson for West Fargo City Commission.

Strong leadership in West Fargo benefits the entire region. John brings a commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and common-sense decision-making that will help keep West Fargo a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

If you live in West Fargo, make your voice heard and vote for John Severson for West Fargo City Commission.

John has a video that he would like to share with all of the followers of Fargo First. Below is his message:

Fargo First

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