Mark Sanford

Background

Sanford is the incumbent District 17 representative and has served in the North Dakota House since 2011. The Grand Forks Herald describes him as a retired education administrator.

Sources: Grand Forks Herald — 2026 election coverage, Grand Forks Herald — 2026 candidate forum coverage

What the candidate has said

Statements are attributed to the linked sources.

• Data centers

  Sanford said data centers should cover their electricity costs so North Dakotans do not face higher rates; he also said closed-loop cooling appears best for controlling water use.

  Grand Forks Herald — 2026 candidate survey

• Cost of living

  Sanford said cost of living would be an important factor in the coming session’s budget decisions.

  Grand Forks Herald — 2026 candidate survey

• Teacher pay

  Sanford said North Dakota teacher pay had improved in the past but had fallen behind in recent years as other states increased pay.

  Grand Forks Herald — 2026 candidate forum coverage