GWINNER — Rep. Sebastian Ertelt, R-Dis. 26, Gwinner, has announced his run for the State Senate in the newly-redistricted District 28.
Ertelt was elected to District 26 in 2016, and reelected in 2020 to another four-year term. He has served all of his three regular sessions on the House Finance & Taxation and Political Subdivisions Committees. He formerly served on the Interim Taxation and Government Finance Committees and currently serves on the Interim Judiciary and Information & Technology Committees.
“During my service in the legislature, I’ve tackled such issues as pushing back against federal overreach, expanding medical freedom, and election integrity,” said Ertelt of his record. “I’ve been a strict and consistent fiscal hawk and have relentlessly pursued lower property taxes. At the recent special session this past November, I helped lead the effort to end vaccine mandates. I also made proposals to spend the federal ARPA funds primarily on rural roads and bridges.”
“After redistricting, constituents contacted me, specifically asking me to run for the State Senate against Senator Robert Erbele,” said Ertelt. “Many of these local Republican leaders supported a censure of Senator Erbele less than a year ago due to his voting record. Just like with my first race, I feel called to run. I’ve been deeply concerned as I’ve watched our nation, and some in our state, whether intentionally or by a lack of foresight, sprinting toward communism and tyrannical rule.”
Ertelt graduated from Oriska Public High School and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University. He later earned a Master’s of Business Administration in Management degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck.
Ertelt worked at Applied Engineering for several years, and spent most of his engineering career with Bobcat Company. Currently, he is a small business owner and works as an insurance agent in Sargent County. He is a proud father to one year old daughter, Colette.