BISMARCK, N.D. — Republicans State Senator Michelle Axtman and State Representative candidates Greg Vetter and Steve Sauter today announced their 2026 campaigns for the North Dakota Legislature, representing North Bismarck. Together, they emphasized a shared commitment to strong conservative leadership and meaningful results for North Dakotans.

A Bismarck native, Axtman graduated from Century High School and the United States Air Force Academy. She served 12 years as an Active-Duty Air Force pilot and continues to serve as a Major in the Air Force Reserve. She also holds a master’s degree in project management from the University of Mary. Axtman was first elected to the North Dakota Senate in 2023.

Widely recognized as a thoughtful leader in the Senate, Axtman championed legislation that strengthened North Dakota’s education system by prioritizing student outcomes and safety, supporting parental engagement, and expanding opportunities for educators. Last session Axtman authored the landmark phone-free schools legislation and was a strong advocate for North Dakota’s historic property tax reform and relief package. Her other priorities include supporting public safety, lowering taxes, and growing North Dakota’s skilled workforce. Axtman serves on the Education Policy Committee, is Vice-Chairman of the Workforce Development Committee, and was appointed Chairman of the North Dakota Children’s Cabinet.

“I believe as citizen legislators, we have the responsibility to ensure that this good fortune extends to all North Dakotans,” said Senator Axtman. “Working together, we passed historic property tax relief and our landmark cell phone free classrooms. I am humbled by the outpouring of support as we seek to continue delivering impactful solutions for our state and meaningful results for the people of Bismarck.”

Joining Axtman on the ticket is Greg Vetter, who is seeking his first term in the North Dakota House of Representatives. A lifelong North Dakotan and 40-year business leader, Vetter built a career focused on responsible, strategic growth. Vetter began his career as a Bank Examiner for the State of North Dakota before holding senior leadership roles at American State Bank & Trust Company of Williston and later Bravera Bank and its subsidiaries. He has served on Bravera’s Board of Directors since 2024 and is a former executive at the University of Mary.

Vetter’s legislative priorities include fostering continued economic growth, promoting a business-friendly environment, and supporting limited government policies that ensure North Dakota remains well-positioned for long-term prosperity. He is also pro-life and an advocate for those with disabilities. 

“I have spent my career in the private sector helping create jobs and opportunities for North Dakota,” Vetter said. “I am running for State Representative to use that experience and fight for commonsense, limited government, policies that have made our state a leader in economic prosperity and freedom. In my leadership roles in business and our community, I have consistently worked as a collaborative, respectful team member focused on serving those who placed their trust in me.”

Steve Sauter is seeking his first term in the North Dakota House of Representatives. Steve is a husband, father of three, and a longtime business leader with nearly 20 years of experience in North Dakota’s energy, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Sauter currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Interstate Bearing Systems division at Interstate Companies, where he worked his way up from the warehouse to executive leadership.

“I’m running because I care deeply about the kind of North Dakota my kids will grow up in,” Sauter said. “I believe in strong families, responsible energy development, and common-sense leadership that keeps our state affordable and moving in the right direction. I’m running to serve and to protect what makes our community and North Dakota such a great place to live.”

Senator Axtman, Greg Vetter, and Steve Sauter all reside in Bismarck with their families and share a deep commitment to public service, community, and the continued success of their community and the State of North Dakota.

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