BISMARCK—Less than two weeks after North Dakota Senator Erin Oban, D-Dis. 35, Bismarck, announced on Nov. 18 she would not seek re-election in 2022, one candidate has already thrown his hat into the ring. Sean Cleary, a Bismarck Republican, has announced his intention to run for that soon-to-be-vacated seat.
Cleary has previously served on the staffs of both U.S. Senator John Hoeven, R-ND, and Governor Doug Burgum. Cleary was a policy advisor for Gov. Burgum, focusing on healthcare and financial matters. For Sen. Hoeven, Cleary served first on his legislative team in Washington, D.C., and then back home in Bismarck as Sen. Hoeven’s regional director for the southwest part of North Dakota.
“The idea of serving is something I’ve been thinking about for a while,” said Cleary. “When [Sen. Oban] announced a couple of weeks ago she wouldn’t be running, I decided to make my announcement.”
Born and raised in Bismarck, Cleary is an alumnus of the University of Mary and also earned a master’s degree in applied economics from the University of North Dakota. Most recently he has been working as a project manager for National Information Solutions Cooperative, which serves the technology needs of electric cooperatives and broadband companies in rural America.
"You really get an idea of how special North Dakota is."Sean Cleary, Bismarck
Having spent some time outside North Dakota, Cleary expresses a great fondness for his home state. “I had a chance to see we have a very special thing going on in the state and in Bismarck,” he noted. “You really get an idea of how special North Dakota is.”
Cleary plans to focus on ensuring the state government is efficient and accountable, strengthening our economy, and supporting quality education and good jobs. He explains that he cares about what most North Dakotans care about: “finding a good-paying job, living affordably, and raising a family here.”
When asked if he currently perceives any division in the Republican party, Cleary stated, “The GOP has always been a big-tent party. That’s part of our advantage.” He continued, “There’s certainly room for different perspectives.”
Cleary is also pro-life and supports the second amendment. He currently lives in Bismarck along with his wife Amy.
