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North Dakota has always been more than just a red or blue state—it’s a state of contrasts, where the vast horizons of wheat and prairie coexist with a deep sense of community and connection. I grew up in Velva, where you learn early that hard work and doing the right thing are values that stretch beyond our Great Plains. My father, who worked for the State Highway Department, taught me that it’s not about labels but about showing up, doing the job, and treating people with respect. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life, whether on oil rigs, in classrooms, or now, running for Congress.
When I look at North Dakota, I don’t see a deep-red monolith. I see neighbors—people who, like me, value fairness, hard work, and looking out for one another. While the political winds have shifted, our state’s spirit hasn’t changed. Not long ago, Democrats represented North Dakota at every level of government, proving that the heart of this state can’t be boxed into simple categories.
And the numbers show we’re still more than what the labels suggest.
Recently, my campaign commissioned a poll, and the results were eye-opening. In a state where only 27% of voters identify as Democrats, I’m outperforming party affiliation by six points before buying any paid media. Even more telling, only 34% of voters strongly support my opponent. This means that 66% of voters either already support me or can be persuaded. Most importantly, when voters hear my story, compare my plans for Congress to my opponent’s extreme positions, and learn about the corruption in her background, the race becomes TIED.
What does this tell us? North Dakotans are still open to hearing a message that speaks to them, a message that’s about standing up for working people, not just corporate interests. This race is winnable—but we need the resources to reach those voters.
Not long ago Democrats represented North Dakota at every level of government, proving that the heart of this state can’t be boxed into simple categories.
But we’ve seen how things can shift when money floods the system. It wasn’t long ago that Democrats held six out of eight Senate seats across North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. What changed? Corporate dark money and media echo chambers took over. The Citizens United decision unleashed a tidal wave of cash that drowns out local voices and floods airwaves with disinformation. Out-of-state super PACs, beholden to the interests of a wealthy few, have been the loudest voices in our elections for too long.
But let me tell you something about North Dakotans. We may be polite, but we notice when things aren’t right. We’ve seen our wages stagnate while a small group of insiders gets richer. We’ve seen the people we trusted to represent us put corporations before constituents, just like we’ve seen candidates like my opponent, Julie Fedorchak, profiting off shady deals that hurt our farmers and communities. We’ve seen enough.
Our state might be small in population but that magnifies our power to change things. And that’s why I’m running for Congress. After traveling across the state, meeting folks from Bismarck to Fargo, Williston To Grand Forks, I can tell you that people are ready for change. They’re tired of politics as usual, and they want a representative who’s going to fight for them—not for corporate interests. And the numbers prove it. After hearing my story and comparing it to the extremism and corruption of my opponent, we’re tied. This race is winnable.
But just like other Democrats in Rural America, we’re being outspent. If we want to flip this seat, we need the resources to build grassroots support. Every dollar we raise helps push back against dark money and gives us a chance to talk to voters directly. Our message resonates, but it only works if we have the resources to spread it.
So, I’m asking you today—whether you’re a fellow North Dakotan who believes in the power of community or a supporter from elsewhere who knows that rural states like ours hold the key to changing our country—help us out. This isn’t just about my campaign; it’s about proving that North Dakota isn’t for sale.
Growing up, my dad always said that character isn’t about what you say but what you do. It’s time to do something. Let’s remind people that our state, and our country is a place where integrity matters, where relationships count, and where we can still come together to make a difference. Together, we can make sure that our voice is heard loud and clear — not just by the wealthy few but by the many who call this great state home.
Click to donate, and let’s win back North Dakota.
Thank you for believing in this fight.
With the U.S. House seat open, the race for North Dakota’s sole congressional district has never been more competitive.
Trygve Hammer is a Navy and Marine Corps veteran, a former public school teacher, and a freight rail conductor. He was appointed to the Naval Academy from the fleet and served as a Marine helicopter pilot, forward air controller, and infantry officer.
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From bunking down in oilfield camps to engaging uninterested teenagers in the classroom, Trygve’s career has been a tour of duty in the trenches of American life. Trygve’s commitment to public service is unwavering. He lives by the ethos “Officers Eat Last” and is ready to serve as North Dakota’s next Congressman, putting the people's needs first.
Watch Trygve’s campaign launch video here.
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