Wanzek, Headland and Vigesaa reelected to District 29 seats

JAMESTOWN – Republicans enjoyed a clean sweep Tuesday, Nov. 8, in the District 29 races for state Senate and the House of Representatives.

In unofficial results, Sen. Terry Wanzek, R-Jamestown, has 76% of the vote compared to Democratic challenger Ben Vig with 23.8% with 14 of 15 precincts reporting.

Wanzek served in the North Dakota Senate from 1995 to 2002 and again since 2007.

"I'm always humbled that people put their trust and confidence in me and select me to represent them," Wanzek said. "I certainly want them to understand that I’m going to do my best and work hard to represent them in a good way, try to represent all of their concerns. I’m open to listening to all different concerns and issues and trying to address them to the best of my ability."

Wanzek also thanked Vig. He said Vig ran a clean campaign.

"I always felt that it was important to give people a reason why they should vote for you instead of vote against your opponent and I think Ben took that approach," he said.

Reps. Don Vigesaa, R-Cooperstown, and Craig Headland, R-Montpelier, led with 44.2% and 40.2% of the vote, respectively, with 14 of 15 precincts reporting. Democratic challenger Charles Linderman has 15.5% of the vote.

Headland has served in the House since 2003.

"I’m really honored and humbled in the faith that District 29 constituents have put in us as Republicans," Headland said. "I think they like our policies. I think they see how well North Dakota is doing nationally. We are one of the top-rated states in almost every category, so I think they like the policies that we put forward."

Following a redistricting process, Vigesaa now represents District 29. Vigesaa, who previously represented District 23, has served in the House since 2003.

Contributed / Don Vigesaa

Vigesaa said he's thankful for the support of voters in Foster and Stutsman counties because District 23 did not include those counties.

"It's very gratifying that both folks in Foster and Stutsman had confidence in me to elect me and then of course I’ve had great support from Griggs, Steele and Nelson (counties), which I served previously in (District) 23," he said. "I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work in January."

North Dakota House Majority Leader Chet Pollert, R-Carrington, announced in January that he plans to retire at the end of the year after more than two decades in the Legislature. Pollert has served in the House since 1999.

Rep. Bill Devlin, R-Finley, who was also representing District 23, also announced his retirement earlier this year once his current term expires.