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Doug Goehring

Republican candidate for Agriculture Commissioner, North Dakota · Incumbent

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner (incumbent); third-generation farmer

Doug Goehring, a Republican, has been North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner since he was appointed in April 2009, and he has won election to the office four times. He is a third-generation farmer from Menoken. He is running for reelection on November 3, 2026, against Democratic-NPL nominee Vern Thompson, and he chose not to seek the 2026 NDGOP convention endorsement.

Where Goehring stands

Data centers and local zoning

Says government should not stop private landowners from legal development of their land, data centers included. Supports reasonable zoning but opposes local restrictions he sees as NIMBY-driven and unreasonable.

Tariffs

Says consumers, not countries, pay tariffs and calls them a form of tax. He says he has problems with the current tariffs and responds by giving feedback to federal agencies and promoting North Dakota products to trade contacts.

Farm crisis and input costs

Says he is working with the Bank of North Dakota and the Commerce Department on a possible framework for fertilizer incentives. He cites his work on red-dyed diesel use on highways and the Bank of North Dakota's ag relief loans.

Role of the commissioner

Says the executive branch's job is to execute, implement and enforce, while the Legislature sets policy. He describes his advocacy as behind-the-scenes work with stakeholders in government.

Future of agriculture

Supports continued investment in agricultural research, technology, innovation and trade to support farmers and ranchers.

Background

• North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, 2009–present (appointed April 2009; elected 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
• Republican nominee for Agriculture Commissioner in 2004 and 2006
• Won reelection in 2022 with about 76% of the vote
• Third-generation farmer from Menoken, N.D.
• Attended Bismarck State College

In the news

• Ag commissioner candidates tackle tariffs, farm crisis, data centers during debate North Dakota Monitor, October 16, 2026
• North Dakota ag commissioner's calendar shows few meetings with farmers, opponent says Grand Forks Herald, October 13, 2026

Also running for Agriculture Commissioner

• Vern Thompson Democratic-NPL

Sources

• North Dakota Monitor – Oct. 16, 2026 debate coverage
• North Dakota Department of Agriculture
• Wikipedia – Doug Goehring
• North Dakota Monitor – Thompson campaign announcement (notes Goehring's reelection bid and NDGOP endorsement decision)
• Wikipedia – 2022 ND Agriculture Commissioner election

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.