Mark Sanford

Background

Sanford is a retired education administrator and has represented District 17 in the North Dakota House since 2011. He is seeking re-election in 2026.

Sources: Grand Forks Herald, district 17 Senate differentiators: taxes, education funding (Sept. 30, 2026), Grand Forks Herald, District 17, 42 hopefuls outline education ideas during Grand Forks forum (Oct. 16, 2026)

What the candidate has said

Statements are attributed to the linked sources.

• Data centers

  Sanford said the local support data centers require varies, and thus the support needed will vary by project.

  Grand Forks Herald, Grand Forks-area legislative candidates weigh in on data center issues (Oct. 17, 2026)

• Cost of living

  Sanford said cost of living is usually important in budget decisions and would be important in the coming legislative session.

  Grand Forks Herald, majority of local legislative candidates say 2027 session should focus on education, housing, childcare (Oct. 10, 2026)

• Teacher pay

  Sanford said North Dakota’s gains in teacher pay had fallen away over the preceding three or four years as other states raised pay, and noted that teacher shortages affect the state’s ability to compete.

  Grand Forks Herald, District 17, 42 hopefuls outline education ideas during Grand Forks forum (Oct. 16, 2026)