Al Jaeger humbled and "grateful" after serving 30 years as North Dakota secretary of state

(Fargo, ND) -- After serving as North Dakota's secretary of state for 30 years, Al Jaeger is officially retiring. 

"Well first of all I feel that I have been very blessed to have the opportunity that I've had. Elected 8 times, having the confidence of the people of North Dakota. that has been very humbling and I'm grateful for it," said Jaeger. 

Jaeger first ran for secretary of state in 1992. Prior to serving in elected office, he worked as a real estate broker in Fargo. He said he kept his real estate license after he was first sworn in as secretary of state, in case he needed something to "fall back on". 

"It's given me an opportunity to provide public service in something that I felt I could do well. It's given me opportunities nationwide to participate in things North Dakota was involved in," said Jaeger. 

The 79-year-old says he now is looking forward to traveling around the state and going through and organizing family records and archives. His successor is republican Michael Howe, who was elected in November.