
Steve Sauter
Republican | North Dakota
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Steve Sauter
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 7
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
Bismarck State College, Bismarck, 2003-2007
WORK & MILITARY
Interstate Companies, EVP Interstate Bearing Systems, 2022-2026
Interstate Companies, Vice President Interstate Power Systems West Region, 2019-2022
Interstate Power Systems (Division of Interstate Companies), Branch Manager Bismarck, 2014-2019
Interstate Bearing Systems (Division of Interstate Companies), Outside Sales Bismarck, 2006-2012
Interstate Bearing Systems (Division of Interstate Companies), Branch Manager Bismarck, 2012-2017
AFFILIATIONS
St Mary's Church, Member, 2018-2026
Lignite Energy Council, Board member, 2017-2022
YMCA, Volunteer basketball coach, 2025-2026
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS
OTHER (1)
Kelly Armstrong
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Kelly Armstrong
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I believe taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund abortion providers. We should focus on supporting women, families, and alternatives that strengthen our communities and respect life.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe every life has value and should be protected. At the same time, I recognize there are rare and difficult situations, such as when the life of the mother is at risk, where medical decisions must be made. We should focus on supporting women and families with resources, care, and alternatives that value the life of both mother and child.
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Strongly Agree
I believe every human life has inherent value and deserves protection. Our laws should reflect that while also ensuring care and support for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances
The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.
Agree
I believe human life should be respected at every stage. At the same time, we need thoughtful, balanced policies that support families pursuing fertility treatments while maintaining ethical standards.
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Agree
I believe laws on the books should be enforced, and we should continue to respect life. At the same time, I believe states should play the primary role in shaping policies that reflect their communities and values.
ECONOMY
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I believe in creating an economy where wages rise naturally through growth, opportunity, and strong local businesses. One-size-fits all government mandates can hurt small businesses and reduce job opportunities, especially in rural communities.
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise and private property rights are foundational to North Dakota's success. When businesses are free to grow and invest, it creates jobs, strengthens communities, and provides opportunity to families across the state
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
Zero-based budgeting so agencies justify spending instead of automatically increasing budgets. Performance accountability to ensure programs deliver measurable results. Eliminate duplication by consolidating overlapping programs and administrative functions. Increase transparency so taxpayers can clearly see where their dollars are going. Focus on core services like infrastructure, public safety, and education.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Separation of church and state means government should not establish or favor a religion, while fully protecting every individual's rights to live out their faith. I believe faith plays an important role in guiding values, families, and communities. It should be respected, not pushed out of public life, but not controlled by government either.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
I believe religious freedom is a foundational right. Government should not force individuals or businesses to violate deeply held beliefs. At the same time, we should strive to treat people with respect and ensure communities remain welcoming and fair.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
B. I support a healthcare system that maintains strong private options while ensuring access to care for those who need it. North Dakota benefits form high quality providers and employers, and we should protect and strengthen that system. At the same time, programs like Medicare and Medicaid play an important role for seniors and vulnerable populations. My focus is on improving access, controlling costs, and supporting a system that works for patients, providers, and communities.
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Strongly Disagree
I believe strongly in protecting personal privacy and medical information. While data can help inform policy, government should not maintain intrusive databases that track individuals' medical conditions. Any use of data should be limited, secure, and focused on protecting patient rights.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
The Chinese Communist Party represents a serious and growing threat to the United States economically, militarily, and technologically. From intellectual property theft to supply chain dependence and cyber threats, we must prioritize American security, strengthen domestic industry, and reduce reliance on adversarial nations.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, Israel is a key ally that shares our values and supports regional stability. Our partnership strengthens security and helps counter terrorism, while ensuring U.S. interests remain the priority.
IMMIGRATION
I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.
Strongly Disagree
I do not support sanctuary cities. Laws should be enforced consistently, and public safety must come first. We need secure borders and an immigration system that is legal, orderly, and fair.
EDUCATION
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Agree
I support returning more control to states and local communities. Education decisions are best kept closest to students and parents, not in Washington D.C.
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Strongly Agree
Foreign governments should not influence American education. We must protect our schools, research, and students from outside political and economic influence.
VALUES
Government should recognize and support the fundamental right and essential duty of parents to direct their child's health and educational well-being.
Strongly Agree
Parents have the fundamental right and responsibility to guide their child's health and education. Government should support families, not replace them.
Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.
Agree
Children deserve protection and careful, age-appropriate care. Major, life-altering decisions should not be rushed and parents must be involved. We should prioritize long-term well-being and responsible guidance.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Agree
I believe marriage is a sacred institution rooted in faith and family. At the same time, I respect the rule of law and believe we should focus on strengthening families and communities.
I support the expansion of gambling in my state.
Disagree
I am cautious about expanding gambling. We should consider the social costs and focus on policies that strengthen families and long-term economic stability.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Catholic Christian and my faith plays a central role in my life. As a husband and father, it shapes how I lead my family and how I serve others. Growing up and living in North Dakota, I value hard work, personal responsibility, and strong communities. I believe in the dignity of every person, the importance of family, and living with integrity. These values guide my decisions and my commitment to serve our district the right way.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Free and fair elections require secure voter identification. North Dakota already uses commonsense ID requirements that protect the integrity of our elections while remaining accessible. We should make it easy to vote, but also ensure every legal vote counts and is protected.
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
I believe in equal opportunity, not policies that divide people by race. We should address challenges based on need and strengthen communities through education, economic growth, and opportunity for all-not government programs that treat people differently based on race.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
Fairness and safety matter. Women's sports and private spaces should be protected so biological females are not put at a disadvantage or in uncomfortable situations. We can treat everyone with dignity while still maintaining clear, commonsense boundaries.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Disagree
Climate change is a complex issue, but policies should be grounded in facts and practicality. North Dakota's priority must be responsible stewardship while protecting jobs, energy production, and affordability-not rushed mandates that harm our economy.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
The most reliable energy is from base load sources like coal, natural gas, and emerging nuclear. Renewable energy has a role, but reliability requires consistent, dispatchable power. This mix ensures affordability, stability, and energy security.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
I'm a conservative focused on protecting life, strengthening families, supporting responsible government, and growing North Dakota's economy. I believe in practical commonsense solutions that reflect our values and deliver results in our communities.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
NO
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
What should be the goal of the criminal justice system?
The primary goal is to protect the public, uphold the rule of law, and deliver justice for victims. That means holding offenders accountable, deterring crime, and supporting law enforcement, while also promoting rehabilitation where appropriate to reduce repeat offenders.
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Strongly Agree
Protecting children from exploitation is a fundamental responsibility.
Sharia law should not be accepted or incorporated in any form within the legal framework of the United States.
Strongly Agree
The U.S. legal system must be based on the Constitution and the rule of law. No religious or foreign legal system should replace or override it. At the same time, we must continue to protect individual's right to freely practice their faith.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Law-abiding citizens have a constitutional right to own firearms. The focus should be on enforcing existing laws, keeping guns out of the hands of criminals, and supporting responsible gun ownership. We should protect rights while promoting safety not overreaching mandates.
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