A third candidate has emerged for a state legislative seat in Grand Forks’ District 18.
Kyle Thorson announced he’s seeking the Democratic-NPL Party’s endorsement for a House seat. Sen. Connie Triplett and Rep. Corey Mock, both Democrats in Grand Forks, have already announced their candidacies in that district.
In a statement, Thorson advocated for finding ways to diversify the state’s economy in the wake of budget cuts brought on by slumping oil and farm commodity prices.
“Grand Forks has been my home for over 10 years, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work towards making this city and North Dakota a better place to live,” he said. “I believe that we all share a desire to build a strong community where friends and neighbors work together for the common good.”
Thorson ran for a House seat in Grand Forks’ District 43 in 2014 but he fell short of being elected by roughly 150 votes. District 18 includes downtown and north Grand Forks, as well as several townships and a portion of Grand Forks Air Force Base.
ADVERTISEMENT
Thorson holds a master’s degree in public administration from UND and works for Amazon as a kaizen promotion officer, a role focused on improving business processes. He serves on the board of directors of the Community Violence Intervention Center, Christus Rex Lutheran Campus Ministry and the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition.
Thorson and Mock are seeking the seats being vacated by fellow Democrats Eliot Glassheim and Marie Strinden. Mock represents District 42 but moved to District 18 after his most recent election. Triplett has served in the Senate since 2003.
No Republicans have formally announced plans to run in District 18.
