Mike Holmes

Background

Holmes retired in July 2026 after serving as director and technical advisor to the North Dakota Industrial Commission’s Lignite Research & Development Program and as executive vice president for research and development at the Lignite Energy Council. He has worked with state agencies, universities and private industry.

Sources: Grand Forks Herald — 2026 District 43 candidate questionnaire

What the candidate has said

Statements are attributed to the linked sources.

• Economy and education

  He says his focus is maintaining and expanding opportunities in North Dakota, with interests in education, energy, agriculture and economic development. He particularly supports partnerships between universities and private industry to advance research, innovation, workforce development and economic diversification.

  Grand Forks Herald — 2027 legislative priorities survey

• Data centers

  He said data centers may offer economic benefits but should be considered and sited carefully, with local fit taken into account.

  Grand Forks Herald — District 43 data center survey