Brent Schwan

WATFORD CITY — Republican Brent Schwan, a longtime Watford City resident and community leader, announced Thursday, Jan. 8, that he is running for the open North Dakota House of Representative seat in District 26.

He brings decades of experience in public service, energy, finance and community leadership. He is a graduate of Williston High School and holds degrees in business administration and accounting from Dickinson State University.

“Watford City and the surrounding communities hold special significance to my family and our state. I am running for the House because our area needs a conservative leader who knows how special our communities are and will go to Bismarck to fight for us,” Schwan said in his announcement. “With a career in natural resources and finance, I know the challenges that our communities face. As a father and grandfather, I am personally invested in addressing them so our next generation can continue to call Western North Dakota home.”

If elected, Schwan said, his top priorities will be strengthening North Dakota’s small business and industrial environment, protecting private property and agricultural rights, and ensuring the continued, responsible development of the state’s resources. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure investment, affordable housing and maintaining appropriate gross production tax funding for local communities.

Schwan is seeking the seat vacated with the resignation of Rep. Jeremy Olson, R-Arnegard, last May.

Schwan kicks off his campaign with the backing of several Watford City community leaders including state Sen. Dale Patten, Mayor Phil Reilly and banking family Steve and Gretchen Stenehjem.

“I have witnessed Brent’s passion for natural resources, energy, and business, along with being an active member in our community,” Patten said. “He understands the issues affecting our district and has the relationships to be an effective leader in the Legislature for the people of District 26.”

“His background in finance and state and local government, along with his ability to listen and understand complex issues, will be a strong asset in Bismarck. Brent will be a trusted voice for our families and future generations,” Reilly said.

“Brent Schwan has our complete and total endorsement,” Steve and Gretchen Stenehjem said in a joint statement. “He is a great listener, collaborator, and will always keep the best interests of our district front and center.”

Schwan and his wife, Marella, have been married for 33 years and have two daughters and five grandchildren.