Bachmeier Wins North Dakota Schools Superintendent Race

Voters chose Levi Bachmeier over Tracy Foss, who will guide state education policy for North Dakota public schools.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Administration

Bachmeier Wins North Dakota Schools Superintendent Race

Live Poll

Do you think your local schools are getting better or worse?

Levi Bachmeier was elected North Dakota superintendent of public instruction, defeating Tracy Foss in the statewide election held Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Unofficial results show Bachmeier with about 63% of the vote and Foss with about 37%.

Why it matters

The superintendent of public instruction oversees how the state's public schools are run, so the choice shapes the education policy families see in their districts. Bachmeier was first tapped for the role in October 2025 after Kirsten Baesler resigned to join the U.S. Department of Education, and the election confirms who holds the post going forward.

Bachmeier received about 63% of the vote to Foss's about 37% in unofficial results. He previously worked as business manager for West Fargo Public Schools before his appointment.

The players

Levi Bachmeier

Former West Fargo Public Schools business manager who now serves as North Dakota superintendent of public instruction.

Tracy Foss

Challenger who lost the statewide superintendent of public instruction race to Bachmeier.

Kirsten Baesler

Former North Dakota superintendent of public instruction who resigned to join the U.S. Department of Education.

Kelly Armstrong

Governor of North Dakota who appointed Bachmeier to the superintendent post in October 2025.

The details

Voters cast ballots in the statewide election held Tuesday to fill the superintendent of public instruction seat. Bachmeier had been appointed to the post by Gov. Kelly Armstrong in October 2025, replacing Baesler after her resignation. Bachmeier's election means he now holds the office on a full electoral basis rather than through appointment.

October 2025: Bachmeier is appointed superintendent, replacing Kirsten Baesler.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Statewide election in which Bachmeier defeats Tracy Foss.

The Home Front

Statewide superintendent elections set the direction of public school policy that shapes school choices and property-tax-funded district budgets across North Dakota. Families weighing where to buy often look at district leadership alongside local housing costs.

If you have school-age children in North Dakota, check how the new superintendent's priorities could affect your district's policies and budgets over the coming years. Keep track of your district's school board meetings to stay informed on changes.

The takeaway

Leadership at the state education office affects school policy that shapes family life in North Dakota. Keep your school district's contact information and board meeting schedule on file so you can follow decisions that affect your children.