By Scout Nelson
Michael Coachman, a U.S. Air Force veteran and recurring candidate for state office, will appear on the November ballot as an independent candidate for governor. The Secretary of State’s Office approved Coachman’s candidacy in a letter dated July 15.
Coachman, a resident of Larimore, is running with Lydia Gessele of Chaseley, who chairs the committee sponsoring a proposed ballot measure to change North Dakota’s election processes.
Although this measure, supported by Coachman, won’t be on the November ballot, it could appear in 2026 if enough signatures are gathered by September.
Coachman will compete against Republican nominee U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong and Democratic nominee Merrill Piepkorn, a state senator from Fargo.
Known for his far-right politics, Coachman previously ran for governor as a Republican in 2020, securing about 10% of the vote and losing to Burgum in the primary. He also ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2012 and 2016, and for secretary of state in 2018.
In a February statement announcing his candidacy, Coachman said, “As Governor I will change the focus of North Dakota’s political objectives by becoming a state focused on restoring individual liberties in all aspects of life, family and business for the citizens of North Dakota.” His plans for office, as outlined in the announcement, include:
- Repealing two or three laws for every law signed and limiting new legislation to three pages.
- Banning foreign residents from owning land in North Dakota.
- Replacing property and state income tax with a single “flat” tax.
Photo Credit: pexels-sora-shimazaki
Categories: North Dakota, General, Government & Policy