Shawn Kessel
Republican | North Dakota
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Shawn Kessel
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 27
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of Mary, Fargo, MBA
University of Minnesota-Moorhead, Moorhead, BSW
WORK & MILITARY
Roers, Director of Business Development, 2025-
State of North Dakota Commerce Department, Deputy Commissioner/COO, 2018-2025
City of Dickinson, ND, City Administrator, 2009-2018
City of Wahpeton, ND, City Administrator, 2002-2009
Beverly Health Care - Redfield, Executive Director, 1999-2002
AFFILIATIONS
Hope Lutheran Church, Member and Reader, 2021-2026
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (1)
ND District 27 Republicans
OTHER (2)
John Hoeven
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
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Did not answer
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Agree
The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.
Agree
I have a niece and nephew that walk this earth because of invetro fertilization. Other families may benefit from human embryos.
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Agree
ECONOMY
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I believe in the strength of the private sector. Creating well-paying jobs is its responsibility, and in a state like North Dakota—where the workforce is limited—attracting talent means competitive wages, benefits, & great environment is essential.
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
I’ve worked firsthand in economic development, and I’ve seen that free enterprise is critical to keeping North Dakota competitive in the broader economy. To stay strong long-term, we also need to continue diversifying our economic base.
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
Review all economic development incentives currently offered. Eliminate those that aren't working and align what remains with the targeted industries that will diversify the ND economy. Limit employee growth at State level and align existing employees with accomplishment of state priorities. Eliminate boards and commissions whose role is limited or not providing benefit.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
The protection of religious liberty is one of the strengths of our country. It’s important to recognize the positive role that faith—particularly Christianity, which has deep historical roots in our nation—can play in shaping values that inform public service. Many of the moral principles found in Christianity, such as compassion, humility, service to others, personal responsibility, and respect for human dignity, align closely with the ideals we should strive for in good governance.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
Founders and entrepreneurs are the engine of North Dakota’s economy. They play a vital role in preserving and enhancing the quality of life we enjoy across the state. They should have the freedom to create products, pursue customers, and build businesses consistent with their values—including, in some cases, choosing not to serve customers who don’t align with those values. We see versions of this already in certain high-end or niche markets. The size and market influence of a business matters
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.
Medicaid and Medicare should remain available
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Disagree
I’m concerned that the federal government’s collection of personal data creates opportunities for hackers to access sensitive information, and that it could be shared across agencies for purposes beyond its original intent.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Strong relationships with Israel and our other allies are essential if the United States wants to maintain its position as the world’s leading superpower. That said, I think it’s worth asking why the relationship with Israel is often given higher priority than some of our other key alliances.
IMMIGRATION
I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.
Disagree
EDUCATION
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Agree
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Disagree
I’m comfortable with strong U.S. allies playing a role in educating college students here. Other countries often have specialized education systems tied to key industries that produce highly skilled graduates—something the U.S. economy can benefit from. Historically, we’ve seen how these exchanges can strengthen both our workforce and our global competitiveness.
VALUES
Government should recognize and support the fundamental right and essential duty of parents to direct their child's health and educational well-being.
Agree
My wife and I are foster parents, so we see firsthand the impact of strong, consistent parenting. Parents have the greatest opportunity to raise children who can thrive in society and contribute positively. When that foundation is weak or guidance is lacking, the broader community often has to step in to provide the support that should have started at home.
Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.
Did not answer
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Did not answer
I support the expansion of gambling in my state.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My wife and I are Christians and active members of Hope Lutheran Church. She has completed training as a Stephen Minister, and I serve as a reader. Faith—and the church—have been an important part of my life since childhood.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
Leadership matters, and who we choose to lead is critical. We need to ensure voters are properly verified, their ballots remain private, and that every eligible person has the opportunity to vote—once.
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
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.
Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Neutral
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy. North Dakota is fortunate to have abundant natural resources, and we should develop them responsibly. As overall energy demand continues to grow, every source should have the opportunity to contribute
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?
Lean Conservative
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?
Rehabilitation
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Agree
Sharia law should not be accepted or incorporated in any form within the legal framework of the United States.
Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe gun ownership is the right of every US citizen.
