Austin Foss

I’ve been so encouraged by the support that’s come in today — thank you to everyone who’s contributed. It’s a reminder that North Dakotans are ready for a future that’s more compassionate, more practical, and more focused on the real needs of our communities.

We don’t have to settle for culture war distractions or efforts to roll back hard-won rights. We can choose leaders who will fight for affordable housing, strong public schools, and a state where everyone feels welcome and valued.

There’s still time to be part of this momentum. If you haven’t donated yet, there’s room for you on this team.

Help us build a better future:

I just gave to Legislative Victory Fund (ND)! Show your support with a contribution.

This past session, many in the NDGOP showed us exactly where their priorities lie — pushing culture war bills and even advancing an anti-marriage equality resolution, instead of addressing the real issues facing North Dakotans.

While they played politics, working families and vulnerable neighbors were left behind.

Today, Dem-NPL candidates across the state — myself included — are raising funds to bring serious, compassionate leadership back to Bismarck. Will you chip in $10, $20, or whatever you can to help us fight back and build a better future?

Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/demdayofgiving2025

And that’s a wrap!

My first legislative session has officially come to a close, and I want to thank everyone who reached out, testified, visited the Capitol, or followed along from home. Your engagement makes our democracy stronger, and I’m honored to represent our community in Bismarck.

This session brought both challenges and opportunities. I’m proud of the work we did to defeat bad culture war bills, invest in affordable housing and criminal justice reform, pass property tax relief, and support working families across North Dakota. There’s still more to do, and I’m committed to continuing these conversations in the interim.

On a personal note, I was humbled to receive the Young Democrat Leadership Award at the Governor’s Dinner on Saturday. It’s an incredible honor, and I’m grateful for the encouragement and support I’ve received from so many of you.

Thank you again for the trust you’ve placed in me. I’ll be back in Fargo for the interim and look forward to staying in touch and continuing the conversations.

Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, we recognize and celebrate the resilience, joy, and contributions of transgender and nonbinary people in North Dakota and beyond. Everyone deserves to live as their authentic self without fear of discrimination or harm.

At the same time, we must acknowledge the challenges that persist. Two anti-trans bills—HB 1181 and HB 1144—are still moving through the North Dakota Senate after hearings last week. These bills threaten the rights and dignity of transgender North Dakotans, and I encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged as they continue through the legislative process.

Visibility is important, but so is action. Let’s stand together for a North Dakota that respects and protects all its people.

Quick update on this past week!

Two great articles were published in The Forum that highlight important legislative issues.

The first, by Faye Seidler, speaks to the power of personal stories in shaping policy. When we show the real people impacted by legislation, we can defeat harmful bills and promote good ones. She specifically called out HB 1144, a bill that would block inclusive and functional bathroom design because of culture wars that is set for a hearing tomorrow.

The second, by Rob Port, exposes the inherent homophobia in SB 2307, the latest book banning bill. Book bans are bad enough, but this one is particularly appalling—some legislators are actively trying to prevent kids from learning about a group of people they refuse to accept.

On a lighter note, we took a break from the legislative battles to shoot some hoops for the Special Olympics! Our House Democratic team took second place, and we helped raise nearly $24,000 for a great cause.

Check out the articles here:
• Faye Seidler’s Letter: https://www.inforum.com/opinion/letters/letter-courage-spreads-like-fire
• Rob Port’s Column: https://www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/port-but-it-is-an-attack-on-librarians-and-teachers

When we fight, we win!

On Thursday, HCR 3013 was overwhelmingly defeated in the Senate. While the vote was not public, the outcome is a huge victory—and it’s all thanks to YOU! Our community stepped up, spoke out, and made a difference. We changed hearts. We changed minds. This is what democracy in action looks like.

A special shoutout to the dozens of brave individuals who testified on Wednesday. Your stories were heartfelt, powerful, and filled with love. You moved us all—including me—to tears.

But the fight isn’t over. We must ensure that hateful legislation like this never reaches our legislature again. That starts with electing leaders who reject division and focus on real issues that improve the lives of North Dakotans. The best way to make that happen? Get involved. Run for office, volunteer, and support candidates who stand for justice and unity.

Thank you all—love wins again!

https://northdakotamonitor.com/2025/03/13/north-dakota-senate-rejects-resolution-opposing-same-sex-marriage/

Thank you all for being part of the fight for equality! HCR 3013 (the anti-marriage equality resolution) has been scheduled for a hearing this Wednesday, March 12 at 3:15. You can now submit testimony online under the Hearings tab to oppose this legislation (link below). You can also show up in person to the Capitol Building to let your voice be heard. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out or email me! Thank you again for your support!

🗣Submit Testimony Here:

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First off, I would like to thank my family, friends, and the many wonderful people of North Dakota and beyond who have reached out with their love and support. It has been a rollercoaster of a week so far, but I am feeling welcome again by many.

My biggest THANK YOU goes out to everyone who has reached out to their elected officials and let them know where we stand. North Dakota is not a place for hate and intolerance. We need to get back to a place where we let people live their authentic lives, without government interference. You have already made a difference! I truly believe that HCR 3013 now has a real shot at being defeated in the Senate. I will keep you informed in the coming months when this will be scheduled for a hearing so we can let the Senate know how we feel.

I also want to let you know that this is only the beginning. There are still unfortunately many bills and resolutions like this one that seek to bring down North Dakotans, and not lift them up. I will continue to fight for all North Dakotans and I hope you will stand with me.

Lastly, when you are reaching out to elected officials please do so with respect and kindness. I know this can be very difficult, especially when you might not receive the same respect in return but we must always try. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; the current rhetoric in this country does not follow the golden rule. Let’s rise above this.

Thank you for your support and advocacy—your voices matter!

📝You can track the resolution here: https://ndlegis.gov/legislative-bill-tracking-system.
🗣️Find your elected officials here: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/members.

I took the oath of office today and am officially a state representative! I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way, especially my parents, who were there to witness this moment. I’m excited for the work ahead and ready to serve my district to the best of my ability this session.

Been a crazy last few weeks of campaigning, but it has all led to this! Woke up bright and early this morning to cast my vote at the Fargo Civic Center. For those who have voted, thank you! If you are planning to vote today, reminder that polls close at 7pm and you can search for your nearest voting location here: https://www.sos.nd.gov/elections/voter/voting-north-dakota/how-do-i-vote.

Let your voice be heard! 🗳️🎉🌊