FARGO, N.D. – A former Fargo School Board member is running for the North Dakota House of Representatives.
Jennifer Benson announced her run for the District 41 seat in South Fargo.
She says she is running because of a commitment to responsible governance, affordability and practical, common-sense solutions shaped by the needs and priorities of residents in Fargo.
“The oath of office has always guided my decision-making—not as a formality, but as a responsibility to serve with integrity and accountability,” Benson said.
She served eight years on the school board, where she focused on budgeting, transparency and accountability, while addressing issues directly impacting students, families and taxpayers.
She’s also the Second Vice Chair of the North Dakota Republican Party.
“With experience in education, governance and the private sector, I understand the importance of making thoughtful, evidence-based decisions that strengthen our state,” Benson said.
In 2020 Benson was censured by the Fargo School Board for making what board members called “wildly out of order” accusations against former Superintendent Dr. Rupak Ghandi around enrollment numbers and for not wearing a mask in district buildings which was district policy during the Covid-19 pandemic.
District 41 is represented by Jorin Johnson and Karen Grindberg.
Grindberg was appointed in December 2024 to fill a vacancy left by Michelle Strinden’s election as Lieutenant Governor alongside Governor Kelly Armstrong.
