VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The District 24 Democratic-NPL party endorsed a full slate of legislative candidates at their convention in Valley City February 18. Nancy Farnham and Shawn Olauson were chosen as candidates for the North Dakota House of Representatives. Knut “Pete” Gjovik was selected as candidate for the North Dakota Senate. District 24 includes Barnes and Ransom Counties.
Farnham and her husband Tom have lived in Enderlin, North Dakota for the past 32 years. In 2019 she retired after 27 years serving as administrator of Maryhill Manor in Enderlin. “I am running for the House of Representatives because I care about North Dakota and its people. I believe that I can bring respect and compassion for all people, common sense, and a strong work ethic to this office,” she said. “Service to others is what my life has been about and I am ready to serve in our state legislature.”
Olauson is a Barnes County native, living with his wife Christy on his family’s home farm in Cuba Township. He has worked for a neighboring farmer for the past 25 years. Since 2019 he has served as a Barnes County commissioner. Olauson has also served on school, water, and township boards. “The biggest issue for me is reforming property taxes, not getting rid of them,” he said. “Property taxes are how we retain local control of our townships, towns and cities, counties, and school, park, and fire districts.”
A native of Pekin, North Dakota., Gjovik joined the faculty of Valley City State University in 2008. He retired as an emeritus professor in technology in 2020. Prior to coming to Valley City, he had an extensive career in secondary and higher education, and with his wife Gail in the print and graphic design industry. Gjovik believes his experience in building positive working relationships and finding solutions to problems would benefit District 24. “There is more that unites us than divides us politically,” he said. “I would like to put my experience to work for our district and state.”
All three candidates were endorsed for the June primary by unanimous ballot. District chair Bradley Edin said, “I can’t imagine a better ticket. We Democrats are looking forward to the 2024 campaign and the opportunity to elect people to the legislature who will actually represent and serve all the people of Barnes and Ransom Counties.”
