Jonathan Sickler

Background

Sickler is a lawyer and the Republican incumbent representing Senate District 17, which includes Grand Forks. He has served in the Senate since 2022; his campaign identifies his primary occupation as chief legal officer at Grand Forks-based AE2S.

Sources: North Dakota Legislative Assembly, biography, Grand Forks Herald, 2026 re-election announcement coverage

What the candidate has said

Statements are attributed to the linked sources.

• Taxes and spending

  Sickler said he supports tax cuts and property-tax relief. He also said the state should better analyze how funds are used, including in childcare and housing, to identify more impactful ways to deploy funding.

  Grand Forks Herald, 2026 District 17 candidate questionnaire

• Career education

  At the 2026 forum, Sickler and Benton both suggested increasing career and technical education programming.

  Grand Forks Herald, 2026 District 17 candidate forum coverage

• Quality of life

  Sickler’s campaign says he will continue focusing on policies and spending intended to enhance quality of life and make North Dakota a good place to live, raise a family and run a business.

  Jonathan Sickler for Senate, campaign website