Vern Thompson is challenging incumbent Doug Goehring for North Dakota agriculture commissioner, with controversial data center plans becoming a central point of contention in the race. Thompson, a Democrat, has been vocal about these plans, while Goehring, a Republican, has dismissed the discussions as “political grandstanding.”
Thompson stated he is running in part due to the agriculture commissioner's position on North Dakota’s Industrial Commission. He noted the commission has committed to supporting a natural gas pipeline that he believes will ultimately benefit data centers. Thompson reported that many residents are apprehensive about these data centers, citing concerns he has heard in a series of public meetings.
Attendees at these meetings expressed worries about potential health effects, the consumption of prime farmland, and the state's capacity to handle increased demand for electricity and water. These are significant concerns for communities across North Dakota, including those in Burleigh and Morton counties, which could face pressure on their resources and agricultural landscapes.
Thompson specifically highlighted what he called “bad public policy,” pointing to the state’s financial guarantee of up to $500 million for the WBI Energy natural gas pipeline. He also criticized loans provided to Minnkota Power and Reliant Carbon Capture and Storage for Project Tundra. Thompson asserted, “People are tired of the corporate welfare.”
In response, Goehring, who farms and ranches with his family near Menoken in Burleigh County, called Thompson's data center discussions “political grandstanding.” Goehring added, “He’s running for the wrong office,” suggesting Thompson should instead pursue a seat in the Legislature, which is actively considering regulations on artificial intelligence and listening to data center concerns. Thompson previously served in the Legislature and initially sought North Dakota’s U.S. House seat before challenging Goehring.
Goehring defended the Industrial Commission's role, clarifying that the money to support a pipeline bringing natural gas to eastern North Dakota was appropriated by the Legislature. He explained that the commission's responsibility was to evaluate proposed projects to ensure their viability. Goehring believes the state’s backing should help initiate the project and attract other customers, with little chance that the state money will ultimately be needed. The WBI Bakken East Pipeline project is awaiting approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and while its specific customers have not been disclosed, state officials have indicated potential customers could include utilities, industrial users, and data center developers.
Goehring, who has served as agriculture commissioner since 2009, noted positives resulting from the Industrial Commission's work. He cited efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of oil development by encouraging the grouping of oil wells. Goehring also pointed to a pipeline reclamation program and various projects and loans designed to improve water supply and housing across the state. Furthermore, he highlighted that the Industrial Commission oversees the Bank of North Dakota, which has implemented loan programs to help ranchers rebuild cattle herds, assist farmers in repairing or replacing storm-damaged storage facilities, and provide financial aid to agricultural producers during challenging times.
As an energy-rich state, Goehring said it is crucial to encourage pipeline and transmission line development, a goal the Industrial Commission has actively pursued. He emphasized his work in developing export markets for North Dakota agricultural commodities. Goehring noted that North Dakota exports both commodities and energy, making it important to develop these resources.
Conversely, Thompson stated that North Dakota residents are feeling “run over” by these large-scale projects. He pointed to rural roads rutted by construction traffic, property owners facing threats of eminent domain, and the overall industrial development altering the state's rural landscape. These impacts are keenly felt in agricultural communities throughout counties like Burleigh and Morton.
Thompson, who operates a trucking company in Fargo but has a farm background in Benson County, outlined food affordability as another key priority. He plans to advocate for a meat processing cooperative within the state, arguing that consumers currently bear the high transportation costs of North Dakota beef being processed out-of-state and then shipped back. Thompson attributed high meat prices to limited competition among what he termed the “big four” meat packers, stating that farmers and ranchers are not the problem when it comes to the high cost of food.
Looking ahead, Goehring stated he does not have a specific list of priorities for the next four years if reelected, but would continue to support agricultural research and efforts to open up new trade opportunities. He emphasized that he largely takes direction from the Legislature, focusing on executing their directives. Goehring articulated his approach: “My vision and plan is: How can we continue to be responsive and accountable? How can we make sure that we’re doing a good job in providing regulatory oversight?”
He also acknowledged that his agency frequently fields questions from residents frustrated by rules on various topics that the Ag Department itself does not set. These can range from federal food aid eligibility requirements to diesel fuel regulations and meat inspection and sales. Goehring explained that the agency's actions are limited by state statute, adding, “You just don’t venture out into things that you don’t have the authority to do.”
