Shawn Kessel

Shawn Kessel is the Republican candidate for the North Dakota House of Representatives, District 27, in the November 3, 2026 general election, after advancing from the June 9, 2026 Republican primary.[1][2] According to Ballotpedia, he has a career in business development, and in a survey he cited experience as a former North Dakota Deputy Commerce Commissioner and a former city administrator.[1][3]

Kessel earned a bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead and a graduate degree from the University of Mary, according to Ballotpedia.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, he described nearly 25 years of experience in North Dakota communities and said he is a small business owner with experience in both the public and private sectors.[3] He also said he is a former Deputy Commerce Commissioner for the State of North Dakota and a former city administrator in a fast-growing city.[3]

Kessel said his priorities include diversifying the North Dakota economy, creating high-paying jobs and keeping taxes low, and that growth tools such as special assessments and property tax incentives should be directed and reviewed regularly.[3] He said he and his wife, Lori, are foster parents.[3] His survey response lists Governor Mike Armstrong and Senator John Hoeven among his endorsers.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.