Voters choose Bachmeier to finish Baesler's term
The victory keeps Gov. Kelly Armstrong's appointee in charge of the state's K-12 education system for the remaining two years of Kirsten Baesler's term. Baesler won that term in 2024, and it runs through 2028; this special election was not for a new four-year term.
Bachmeier and Foss reached the November ballot through the June 9, 2026, top-two primary. Bachmeier led with 59,323 votes, or 55.5%, followed by Foss with 31,915, or 29.9%. Charles Tuttle received 15,353 votes, or 14.4%, and there were 297 write-in votes.
Foss, whose full name is Tracy Layne Foss, is a longtime educator who teaches at Valley Middle School in Grand Forks. Although the superintendent's office is officially nonpartisan, the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party issued a letter supporting Foss. Bachmeier did not receive Republican Party backing, according to the Grand Forks Herald.
From appointment to election
Armstrong announced Bachmeier's appointment on October 21, 2025, to replace Baesler, who resigned to join the U.S. Department of Education. Bachmeier took office on November 24, 2025. The transition was delayed because Baesler could not be sworn into her federal position until the federal government shutdown then underway had ended, according to the governor's office.
The U.S. Senate had confirmed Baesler on October 7, 2025, as assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education. President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon had nominated her for the position in February.
Bachmeier came to the superintendent's office from West Fargo Public Schools, where he had worked as business manager since 2019. His earlier experience included serving as education policy adviser and policy director to then-Gov. Doug Burgum from 2016 to 2019, teaching high school social studies for two years with Teach for America, and serving on the State Board of Higher Education.
When he began work on November 24, Bachmeier set a goal of visiting every one of North Dakota's 167 school districts. He planned to begin with the smallest district, Marmarth in Slope County. The community had about 100 residents, and its district reported four students in the fall enrollment report.
Statewide education and trust fund responsibilities
The superintendent directs statewide public education policy and administration, working with local districts on matters including standards and accountability. The position carries an annual salary of $152,417, the Grand Forks Herald reported.
The superintendent also serves on the state Board of University and School Lands, commonly called the Land Board. Among its responsibilities is oversight of the Common Schools Trust Fund, valued at more than $7.7 billion.
