Fargo First

Governor Kelly Armstrong has stepped into local races with endorsements this cycle. He has thrown his weight behind approximately 20 candidates across various legislative districts and statewide races. The North Dakota governor contributed nearly $200,000 to 20 allies.

West Fargo Rep. Ben Koppelman called out the move, questioning whether statewide officials should be influencing local elections. The lawmaker accused Armstrong of trying to buy legislative influence and unlawfully influence the State Legislature by backing candidates who may be more aligned with his executive policies.

Armstrong has firmly defended his actions, stating that the donations are legal, raised from donors who support his agenda, and given without strings attached. He views the financial support as a way to back results-driven candidates who focus on property tax relief, education, and reducing government waste.

The full list of Armstrong’s campaign contributions to candidates is as follows:

$25,000 to Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, PSC six-year term
$25,000 to Jill Kringstad, PSC two-year term
$25,000 to Levi Bachmeier, superintendent of public instruction
$10,000 to Blaine Deslauriers, District 3 House candidate
$10,000 to Timothy Mihalick, District 3 House candidate
$5,000 to Steve Sauter, District 7 House candidate
$5,000 to Greg Vetter, District 7 House candidate
$10,000 to Sen. Michelle Axtman, District 7
$10,000 to West Fargo District 13 legislators
$3,300 to Rep. Austen Schauer, District 13
$3,300 to Rep. Jim Jonas, District 13
$3,300 to Sen. Judy Lee, District 13
$5,000 to Corey Johnson, District 23 House candidate
$5,000 to Terry Goerger, District 25 House candidate
$5,000 to Rep. Greg Stemen, District 27
$5,000 to Shawn Kessel, District 27 House candidate
$10,000 to Sen. Don Schaible, District 31
$10,000 to Michael Heger, District 33 House candidate
$500 to Kylan Klauzer, District 37 House candidate
$10,000 to Sen. Greg Kessel, District 39
$10,000 to Rep. Dustin McNally, District 42

Should state leaders be endorsing in local races?

What do you think?

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

VOTE LIKE OUR CHILDREN MATTER! VOTE LIKE OUR GRANDCHILDREN MATTER!

Today is Election Day! Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Fargo voters can cast their ballot at any of these voting centers.

El Zagal Shrine
1429 3rd Street North, Fargo, ND 58102

Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 University Drive South, Fargo, ND 58104
Door 8 – West Side of Building

Ramada Inn
3333 13th Avenue South, Fargo, ND 58103
Woodland Conference Center Door – East Side of Building

Fargo Civic Center
207 4th Street North, Fargo, ND 58102

FARGODOME
1800 University Drive North, Fargo, ND 58102

Fargo Parks Sports Center
6100 38th Street South, Fargo, ND 58104

Bring a valid North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID, tribal ID, or other accepted identification.

Every vote matters. Take a few minutes today to make your voice heard and help shape Fargo's future.

Polls close at 7:00 PM, don't wait until the last minute!

People always ask, "What can I do to help?"

Did you donate?

Did you volunteer to door knock?

Did you help put up yard signs?

Have you been active on social media supporting the candidates you believe in?

All of those opportunities have largely come and gone. But now you have one last chance to make a difference.

Grab your phone.

Copy the picture in this post or copy the link.

Open your text messages and send it to every Fargo voter you know.

Tell them:

"Tomorrow is your last opportunity to vote. If you haven't voted yet, here is a picture (or link, if you would rather text that) to the candidates I recommend. Please make sure you get out and vote."

A simple text message can make a huge difference. Many people are busy, distracted, or simply forget that Election Day is here.

Take five minutes. Send tons of texts. Help get voters to the polls.

Tomorrow, when the polls close, you'll know you did everything you could to help build a better Fargo for our kids and grandkids!

Mark Twain once said, "Never regret anything that made you smile." These 7 candidates give our Fargo First team real reason to smile and feel encouraged about the direction of the City of Fargo.

https://fargoscandidates.my.canva.site

Fargo First has endorsed 7 candidates in this year's local election. We believe these candidates will help move Fargo in a positive direction, and we're asking voters to support them on Election Day.

Thanks to the generosity of several local businesses, we've added a little extra motivation!

If 5 of our 7 endorsed candidates are elected, Fargo First will donate $1,000 to 4 Luv of Dog Rescue.

4 Luv of Dog Rescue has helped countless dogs find safe, loving homes, and has made a real difference in our community through the dedication of its volunteers and foster families.

So, when you head to the polls, remember that your vote can have an impact beyond the ballot box. A strong turnout could help support both the candidates you believe in and a local organization that does incredible work for animals in need.

Vote on June 9th, support your community, and help us make this donation a reality!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED MONDAY NIGHT!

We had a great turnout last Monday for door knocking. We are asking for your help one last time!

Join us at 5:30 PM Monday Night at Americans for Prosperity located at 4342 15th South Suite #201 to help with a voter texting campaign.

This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reach voters before Election Day. Whether you're a longtime volunteer or it's your first time helping, we'll get you set up and ready to go.

As a thank you for your time, we'll have FREE pizza and soda for all volunteers!

Every text sent helps inform voters and can make a real difference in a local election. If you are able to spare 2 hours of your time, we'd love to have you join us.

Let’s finish strong—bring your fully charged phones!

Fargo has the Harm Reduction Center at 510 5th Street North and the Downtown Engagement Center (DEC) at 222 4th Street North.

The City of Fargo is currently replacing the Downtown Engagement Center with the new Resource & Recovery Center at 2001 1st Ave. North. City officials have stated that the new facility will provide the same services previously offered through the DEC, but in a larger, single-level building.

Recently, members of Fargo First made another visit to these facilities and came away with several questions. In 2017, the North Dakota Legislature authorized syringe "EXCHANGE" programs. The law, codified in North Dakota Century Code § 23-01-44, allows the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services to approve and administer these programs.

According to public reports, approximately 3.1 million needles have been distributed since 2018. A simple question remains: How many needles were returned through the exchange process? To date, we have not seen a clear answer.

At the Downtown Engagement Center, vending machines provide free needles. At the Harm Reduction Center, needles are distributed directly by staff. Outside the Harm Reduction Center, however, there is an outdoor disposal container where used needles can be discarded without any apparent monitoring or tracking. If a syringe "EXCHANGE" program is intended to "EXCHANGE" used needles for new ones, how are returns being accurately measured?

It should also be noted that within 50 yards of the Harm Reduction Center are residential houses and within 100 yards is a Church that is also being used as a daycare!

It should also be noted that there is a major lack of clarity on who funds this program. Yes, the needles are paid for by the opioid settlement dollars. However, the cost of the building, staff, furniture, insurance, and any overhead is paid for by a very generous donation from the taxpayers of Fargo! This kind of rhetoric is embarrassing for the City of Fargo, just like school board members who didn't want to cite the Pledge of Allegiance before meetings but slapped themselves in the forehead enough times to finally reiterate their stance on that!

Fargo residents deserve clear answers, accountability, and transparency from their local government. Regardless of where you stand on these issues, elections matter and public participation matters.

Make your voice heard! Get out and vote!

Fargo First endorses Andrzej Noyszewski for Fargo Park Board.

Andrzej Noyszewski is a candidate for the Fargo Park Board who has expressed a strong interest in Fargo's park system and public spaces. Through his photography and community involvement, he has highlighted the role parks play in recreation, community connection, and quality of life. Andrzej has emphasized stewardship of park resources, appreciation for Fargo's natural spaces, and the importance of maintaining parks for current and future residents.

Andrzej is running for Park Board because he believes every neighborhood deserves a park that residents can be proud of. Andrzej is a neighbor who actually pays attention. He wants to focus on practical stewardship, maintaining our current parks, improving trail connections, and ensuring our green spaces remain welcoming hubs for outdoor recreation.

Most importantly, Andrzej is committed to listening to residents and being a voice for the community. He recognizes that the Park Board's responsibility is not only to preserve what we have today but to ensure future generations can enjoy Fargo's parks and green spaces as well.

If you believe in strong neighborhoods, quality parks, and responsible stewardship of community resources, join Fargo First in supporting Andrzej Noyszewski for Fargo Park Board!