Jay Fisher

Jay Fisher, Minot, who has served District 5 in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2019, announced at the 5th District Republican delegate election meeting Feb. 12 that he will seek his district’s seat in the North Dakota Senate in 2026.

“Since arriving in the House in 2019, I have focused on practical solutions to strengthen our economy, support families and ensure our region is competitive on a global scale when it comes to agriculture and energy. There is more to be done, and I would be honored to continue that work in the Senate,” Fisher said in his announcement.

During his service in the House, Fisher has backed investments that strengthen value-added agriculture, worked closely with Minot State University and the North Dakota State University North Central Research Extension Center to expand research capacity and workforce development opportunities, and supported military-friendly policies to support the ongoing mission at Minot Air Force Base.

Fisher said that as a Senator for District 5, his priorities would include:

– investing in critical infrastructure by advancing Highway 52 safety and expansion projects, supporting long-term flood control solutions and ensuring a reliable water supply through continued Northwest Area Water Supply development.

– strengthening the economy by expanding natural gas distribution across the state and backing critical national security efforts such as the Sentinel nuclear modernization project.

– supporting agriculture by continuing to advance research and investment in value-added agriculture, advocating for improved K-12 nutrition and promoting the principle that food security is national security.

– building workforce capacity by expanding apprenticeship opportunities and stackable credential programs.

– ensuring responsible fiscal management by reducing unsustainable spending to protect taxpayers now and in the future.

“I am grateful to the people of Minot and District 5 who have trusted me to advocate for their interests for the last eight years in the House of Representatives,” Fisher said. “I’m running for the Senate to build on the progress we’ve made in agriculture, energy, transportation and military support, and to help ensure Minot continues to grow as a regional hub for families, businesses and opportunity.”

Before serving in the North Dakota Legislature, Fisher, an agronomist, spent 22 years as director of the NDSU North Central Research Extension Center. He later established Fisher Research LLC, a value-added agriculture company. He is also the president of L&Q Great Plains, which produces products and solutions to build and enhance unpaved roads and other soil-surfaced areas.