Rep. Greg Stemen, Rick Berg, and the Candidates Shaping North Dakota's Future
The conversation centers on why elections matter at every level of government and why voter turnout is essential to protecting the values that North Dakotans care about most. Stemen's first guest is Rick Berg, former interim president of North Dakota State University (NDSU). Berg, who is also well known as a former U.S. Representative and North Dakota political figure, reflects on his time leading NDSU and what that experience taught him about leadership, service, and the importance of community. Berg speaks candidly about the challenges and rewards of stepping into the interim president role, offering insight into how higher education leadership connects to the broader civic landscape in North Dakota. The discussion then shifts to the upcoming primary elections and what voters can expect heading into the general election cycle. Stemen and Berg stress that every election — from local races to statewide offices — has a direct impact on the daily lives of North Dakotans. They urge voters not to sit on the sidelines, emphasizing that low voter turnout can allow outcomes that don't reflect the true values of the community. The episode also takes a closer look at several of the key candidates currently on the ballot, giving listeners a better understanding of who is running and what issues are driving the race. The conversation reflects a deep commitment to civic engagement, conservative principles, and the idea that informed voters are the backbone of a healthy democracy.
