Jose Castaneda

Jose Castaneda of Minot has announces his candidacy for the District 40 seat in the North Dakota Senate being vacated by retiring, longtime Minot-area lawmaker Karen Krebsbach.

Castaneda was born in Mexico City, and his family legally immigrated to the United States in 1985. In 1992 he became an American citizen. His mother is a retired teacher, and his father is an electrical engineer. He and his wife, Feliciana, have eight children, ranging in age from 14 to 23.

Castaneda was raised in Tucson, Arizona, and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado,in 2000. He continued giving back to his adopted country by serving 20 years in the United States Air Force after graduation.

After serving as an instructor pilot at Sheppard Air Force Base, Castaneda became a B-52 pilot. He was initially stationed at Minot Air Force Base from 2008 to 2013, then after two and a half years at the Pentagon, he requested to return to Minot to finish his last assignment from 2016 until his retirement in 2020.

“I feel fortunate to have spent half of my military career at Minot Air Force Base in the great state of North Dakota. Like many veterans that have ‘come north’ to Minot Air Force Base, I decided to make Minot my home after retirement. I love this state and the people of Minot,” he said.

Castaneda puts his military training to use by serving as a medevac pilot, flying in and out of Minot International Airport.

Castaneda said he is inspired by his experience in the United States and North Dakota and wants to give back by representing District 40 in the state Senate. He intends to focus his legislative efforts on the Republican Party platform ideals of individual liberty, personal responsibility and limited government.

“As an immigrant, I know first-hand that the opportunities that this country has to offer are second to none. But to turn opportunity into real success requires a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication. My goal is to truly represent every member of District 40, ensuring that the legislation that leaves Bismarck adds true and real opportunity for every person and family by protecting individual liberty, inspiring personal responsibility and ensuring limited government,” he said.

The District 40 Republican Party’s endorsing convention will be on March 12. The primary election is June 11, and the general election is Nov. 5.