BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has endorsed a political newcomer for North Dakota’s State House of Representatives.
Republican Shawn Kessel is running for the District 27 House seat that covers South Fargo, Horace and Oxbow. It was held by Josh Christy who died unexpectedly during the 2025 legislative session at age 43.
Kessel isn’t a newcomer to working in government. He served as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer for the North Dakota Department of Commerce from 2018 until January this year. He’s also served as City Administrator in both Wahpeton and Dickinson.
