GRAND FORKS – Today, House Minority Leader Zac Ista, D-Grand Forks, announced he would not be seeking reelection. Ista has served in the North Dakota House since 2020, when he was appointed to fill Rep. Matt Eidson’s term. He was elected in 2022.

“The work is important and rewarding. It also demands substantial time away from my family, which is an especially difficult sacrifice while my children are young. That is why I have decided not to seek reelection in 2026,” Ista said. “I am proud of what we accomplished together in the legislature: banning lunch shaming in schools, securing health insurance for families of fallen heroes, cutting costs for teachers, and strengthening protections for domestic violence survivors. I am equally proud of the work of my fellow Democratic-NPL lawmakers. We have fought for no-cost school meals, investments in childcare and public education, paid family leave, and better healthcare. While it is difficult to step away, I know my Democratic colleagues will keep fighting to make North Dakota more affordable and speaking out against those who would push our state and country down a dangerous and divisive path.”