Where do Grand Forks candidates stand on elections and how government runs?

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Secretary of State. Ryan Braunberger (Democratic-NPL): At an October 2026 candidate forum, Braunberger said he would run the Secretary of State’s office in a nonpartisan manner and defend state authority over elections from outside agencies, including the federal government. He said he would order an audit of the most recent election, make the process open to the public, and protect voting by mail. Braunberger said mail-in ballots are essential in North Dakota and that election administration should protect voters from intimidation at polling places. Michael Howe (Republican): He says he is running for re-election to preserve and protect election integrity and to help ensure North Dakota remains a good place to start and grow a business. His campaign describes its focus as continuing his work as secretary of state; the site does not provide further specific local-issue positions in the material reviewed. Attorney General. Tim Lamb (Democratic-NPL): At a forum during the 2026 campaign, Lamb said he would appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate the state development fund and described the Attorney General’s office as needing a watchdog. Drew Wrigley (Republican): Wrigley said he does not favor rushing into more regulation of AI and prefers expert-informed, transparent discussion of its benefits and risks. He said his office should consider responsible, ethical uses of AI while keeping investigators’ judgment central. Public Service Commissioner. Sheri Haugen-Hoffart (Republican): She says the PSC should scrutinize major projects for safety, reliability and public interest while providing consistent, predictable regulation to support investment. She also emphasizes transparency and evaluating long-term effects on rates, reliability and communities. John M Pederson (Democratic-NPL): Pederson says PSC oversight should serve the public rather than developers, and that major projects should be scrutinized rather than automatically approved. He supports long-term planning, transparency, coordination among decision-makers, and giving affected stakeholders a voice, including on data-center development and infrastructure. Tax Commissioner. Brian Kroshus (Republican): In announcing his 2026 reelection campaign, Kroshus named fiscally responsible government, effective representation of citizens, transparency and fairness as priorities. Mark Nelson (Democratic-NPL): No public statement found in our sources. State Senate, District 17. Katie Benton (Democratic-NPL): Benton said she would report back to constituents on what she did and did not accomplish and explain each vote if elected. Jonathan Sickler (Republican): No public statement found in our sources. State House, District 43. Jill T Chandler (Republican): No public statement found in our sources. Mike Holmes (Republican): No public statement found in our sources. Lukas Arthur Maughan (Democratic-NPL): He identifies transparency and accountability in state government as his top concern. His proposals include restricting stock trading and business ownership by elected officials while in office, limiting immediate moves by lawmakers into lobbying, and addressing the influence of money in politics. Tyler York (Democratic-NPL): No public statement found in our sources. Grand Forks County Sheriff. Andy Schneider (Nonpartisan): In announcing his reelection campaign, Schneider said he aimed to increase the presence of Sheriff’s Office deputies throughout the region to support county safety and positive law-enforcement impact in the community.