Jim Shaw addresses Fargo City Commission
FARGO (KFGO) – A bi-partisan group calling for election change in Fargo is changing its focus after finding out primaries are not allowed in North Dakota city elections.
The group consists of Forum columnist Jim Shaw, current Cass County Commission Chair Tony Grindberg, and State Reps. Steve Swiontek, Scott Wagner, and Karla Rose Hanson.
Last week, the group used the public comment period to ask city commissioners to consider including a primary election for mayoral and commission seats. Secretary of State Michael Howe informed the group this is not allowed under state law.
“We remain fully committed to holding a primary in Fargo city elections,” Shaw said. “We’re very optimistic this legislation will pass. We are convinced that the vast majority of Fargo citizens do not want to elect city commissioners with just 15% of the vote, or mayors with just 20% of the vote. A city primary will ensure that in the general election, our commissioners and mayors will receive at least 50% of the vote.”
The group’s three state representatives plan to introduce legislation during the 2027 session that will allow cities to hold primary elections.
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