The 2026 North Dakota Primary Election delivered outstanding results for North Dakota’s lignite industry and the hardworking men and women whose livelihoods depend on it.
CoalPAC-supported candidates performed exceptionally well on Election Day, with 23 of 26 endorsed legislative candidates winning their races, an 88% success rate, and all six statewide CoalPAC-supported candidates winning or advancing. These outcomes reflect months of strategic engagement, grassroots investment, and a focused effort to elect leaders who understand the importance of affordable electricity, reliable energy, and the economic contributions of North Dakota’s coal industry.
This was the largest primary election engagement effort in CoalPAC’s history. Throughout the primary season, CoalPAC invested in candidate education, direct mail, advertising, voter outreach, and grassroots communications. This was all made possible by voluntary contributions from coal miners, power plant employees, contractors, suppliers, retirees, and industry supporters across the state.
One of the most meaningful parts of this election cycle was connecting directly with candidates. CoalPAC provided candidates firsthand opportunities to learn about lignite industry operations, emerging technologies, and the future opportunities that position North Dakota as a critical energy state. Those conversations helped ensure that the industry’s voice wasn’t just heard, but that it was also understood.
CoalPAC’s engagement extended well beyond traditional coal-producing regions, recognizing that the benefits of affordable, reliable energy reach every corner of North Dakota through economic development, tax revenue, supply-chain businesses, and employment opportunities. North Dakota’s lignite industry supports approximately 12,000 direct and indirect jobs while generating more than $5.5 billion in annual economic activity, contributing roughly $100 million in annual state tax revenue, and providing more than half of the electricity consumed in the state.
“This was a tremendous night for North Dakota’s coal industry and the people whose livelihoods depend on it,” said Jonathan Fortner, president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council. “Voters showed strong support for candidates who understand the importance of reliable electricity, economic growth, good-paying careers, and a balanced energy policy.”
Looking ahead, CoalPAC leaders believe North Dakota’s coal industry is entering a period of significant opportunity. Growing electricity demand, expanding energy-intensive industries, carbon capture and critical mineral development, and renewed federal support for baseload generation have positioned North Dakota to play a larger role in meeting America’s energy needs. The policy decisions made by the leaders elected this cycle will shape that future.
“There is a narrow but important window of opportunity in front of us,” Fortner said. “The demand for reliable electricity is growing, and North Dakota is uniquely positioned to help meet that need. But opportunities are only realized if we have leaders willing to support policies that encourage investment, innovation, and long-term energy security.”
Thank you to every CoalPAC contributor and supporter who made this effort possible. This election demonstrated what can be accomplished when people come together around a common purpose.
CoalPAC is the political action committee supported by voluntary contributions from employees, retirees, contractors, suppliers, and other supporters of North Dakota’s lignite industry.