Paul Thomas

VELVA – Rep. Paul Thomas, R-Velva, announced his intention to run for the District 6 Senate seat upon the news of Sen. Shawn Vedaa’s decision to not seek re-election.

Thomas issued the following statement on his run: “Senator Shawn Vedaa has been a tremendous mentor and friend, and I will miss serving with him. I cannot count how many people have shared with me their appreciation for all that Senator Vedaa has done. He has been a champion for our district.”

Thomas is a fourth-generation farmer in southern McHenry County, residing just outside of Velva with his wife, Karen.

“I graduated from a small class B school and went on to NDSU and obtained an agriculture economics degree. As a lifelong resident of the state, I have also had the wonderful experience of raising our children here and they also have been blessed with the opportunities this state affords,” Thomas said.

“I want to continue my service to the district, and I believe now is the proper time to move from the House to the Senate. If elected District 6 senator, I will continue to place the citizens of our region in the forefront of the work I do. At the top of my list, is to ensure our state continues to pave the way for economic opportunities and safe, welcoming local communities that are attractive to all generations of North Dakotans,” he said.

“I really enjoyed the experiences I gained while working with so many constituents over the last four years as a member of the House of Representatives in Bismarck. I have as much passion and energy as four years ago to head to Bismarck and serve my area. The number one reason I want to return to Bismarck is the people of our region. I couldn’t be more blessed to represent such a wonderful population as I do in District 6,” he added.

District 6 encompasses all of Renville, Bottineau and McHenry counties, a small portion of Ward County, including the town of Sawyer, and the northeast portion of McLean County.