Grand Forks woman seeks Dem-NPL nod in all-red District 17
Monte Gaukler is seeking a Democratic-NPL endorsement for her District 17 run for North Dakota's House of Representatives. (Courtesy Photo)Monte Gaukler, a former teacher and longtime school technology facilitator, is seeking a House seat in District 17—Grand Forks' south end and eastern neighborhoods along the Red River.
Gaukler made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon, and promised support for "long-term stability in education funding" and related causes. She said she's interested in extending civil rights protections for LGBT persons, and would use her seat to support mental health initiatives.
"I was very fortunate to grow up in a household that valued education," Gaukler said in a statement announcing her candidacy. "Due to financial strain, my parents never graduated high school, but they did instill in me a lifelong love of learning, along with a belief that government must ensure funding and access to education for everyone."
Both House seats in District 17 are held by Republicans Mark Owens and Mark Sanford.
Gaukler has five children with her husband, Geoff, and has lived in Grand Forks for 37 years, according to her statement.
This weekend's Democratic-NPL nominating convention—which will bring together members of all four Grand Forks districts—is set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Schroeder Middle School.
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