Bachmeier formally launches campaign to lead North Dakota public schools as Democrat enters race
North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Levi Bachmeier officially announced Monday that he will run to retain his position in the 2026 election, two days after a Democrat entered the race.
Bachmeier was appointed to the position in fall 2025, after former Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler joins the U.S. Department of Education as deputy secretary. Previously, he was the West Fargo School District business manager and track and field coach.
Bachmeier’s goals for the position include improving student achievement, supporting teacher retention and recruitment and opposing school politicization, according to his campaign announcement.
“The Ministry of Public Education must be a partner and not an obstacle,” says Bachmeier. said in a statement. “Families care about how schools are run, what students learn, and how they are prepared for life. I will work alongside parents, educators, and communities to ensure every student graduates ready for the real world.”
Bachmeier previously served as policy director and education policy advisor to Gov. Doug Burgum between 2016 and 2019. He also taught high school social studies for two years with Teach for America and worked as a policy analyst at the U.S. Department of Education for a summer.
The North Dakota Secretary of State’s office has already cleared Bachmeier to appear on the ballot.
The position of superintendent of public instruction is nonpartisan, although candidates may request letters of support from political parties.
Bachmeier said in a statement to the North Dakota Monitor that although he is a Republican, he is not requesting a letter from the North Dakota Republican Party.
“I focus my energy on listening to citizens where they are: state basketball tournaments, small businesses and school communities across the state,” he said. “It’s clear that North Dakotans do not want partisan programs in their schools. I don’t think it reflects their values to use a partisan process while seeking nonpartisan office.”
Tracy Foss, left, candidate for superintendent of public instruction, stands next to her son, Rep. Austin Foss, D-Fargo, during a panel discussion at the Dem-NPL state convention in Bismarck on March 7, 2026. (Photo by Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor)
Saturday, North Dakota Democratic-NPL voted to submit a letter of support for Grand Forks educator Tracy Foss to challenge Bachmeier for the seat.
Foss works as a technology and engineering teacher at Grand Forks’ Valley Middle School. She is the mother of Rep. Austin Foss, a Democrat from Fargo. She has 30 years of experience in education, including twenty as a teacher. She said she has worked at all levels, from elementary school to college, and has also worked as a paraprofessional, grant writer and career and technical education manager.
Like Bachmeier, Foss named teacher recruitment and retention a top priority.
“I think we’ve missed some opportunities to make a big difference in getting real solutions to the problem,” she told convention delegates. “This will require a careful examination of what’s on everyone’s plate, to see what should stay, what should be redistributed, and what should be removed altogether.”
Foss also said she supports universal school meals.
No other candidates have announced their intention to run for this position.
The two superintendent candidates with the most votes in the June primary will advance to the November general election.
North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com.
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Subscribe: Get morning headlines delivered to your inbox
