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Vern Thompson

Democratic-NPL candidate for Agriculture Commissioner, North Dakota · Challenger

Independent trucking business owner (hauls natural gas liquids); former farmer

Vern Thompson is a former Democratic-NPL state legislator from Minnewaukan. He served in the North Dakota House (1989–1990) and Senate (1997–2000) and now lives in Fargo, where he runs a trucking business. He first sought the Dem-NPL endorsement for U.S. House, lost it to Trygve Hammer at the March 2026 state convention, and on March 20, 2026 received the party executive committee's endorsement for Agriculture Commissioner. He is challenging Republican incumbent Doug Goehring.

Where Thompson stands

Data centers and local zoning

Supports basic state-level rules to help local governments handle permits for large projects like data centers. Says townships should have the right to decide on industrial development no matter who sells the land, and that local control should come first.

Data centers and local zoning

Has led public meetings on data centers. Argues that the Industrial Commission's support for a natural gas pipeline would mainly benefit data centers.

Tariffs

Blames President Trump's tariffs and the war with Iran for shrinking crop markets and raising fuel and fertilizer costs. Says state officials should publicly oppose federal policies that hurt North Dakota growers, whichever party is responsible.

Farm crisis and input costs

Calls the current situation the worst farm crisis in 40 years. Proposes using natural gas now expected to power data centers for fertilizer plants instead, to lower farmers' input costs.

Role of the commissioner

Says the commissioner should speak out publicly and work across offices on farm problems instead of staying 'in their lane.' Pledges to use the office as a bully pulpit, including through its seat on the Industrial Commission.

Future of agriculture

Says he will work to keep farmland owned by the people who farm it, rather than by corporations, absentee investors or Wall Street.

Background

• North Dakota House of Representatives, 1989–1990
• North Dakota Senate (District 12), 1997–2000; served one session as Minority Caucus Leader
• Former farmer, Minnewaukan area
• Moved to Fargo in 2005; runs an independent trucking business
• Ran for the 2026 Dem-NPL U.S. House endorsement and lost to Trygve Hammer at the March 2026 convention
• Endorsed by the Dem-NPL Executive Committee for Agriculture Commissioner, March 20, 2026

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 Jamestown Sun / InForum, October 13, 2026

Also running for Agriculture Commissioner

• Doug Goehring Republican

Sources

• North Dakota Monitor – debate coverage (Oct 16, 2026)
• KVRR (via ND Monitor) – data center coverage (Sep 28, 2026)
• KFYR – campaign announcement (Mar 20, 2026)
• North Dakota Monitor – campaign announcement
• InForum – Dem-NPL endorsement
• Dem-NPL press release

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