Ross Lockhart

Ross Lockhart earned a high school diploma from Northern Cass Public School, a bachelor's degree from the Minnesota State University, Moorhead in 2003, and a graduate degree from the University of Kent at Canterbury in 2005. His career experience includes working as a farmer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m running for state legislature because I think the residents of District 45 deserve a representative who will stand up for working folks like me who continue to see their livelihoods eroded by powerful corporate interests. As a 4th generation farmer, I understand the challenges we are facing in this state because I have experienced them first-hand. Unaffordable healthcare, public school funding cuts, unfair wages, inaccessible housing options, and a raft of other issues that are not likely to get any better until we speak with one voice to guarantee a government that works for all North Dakotans.

As I embark on this campaign, I look forward to leveraging my years of public service as a volunteer firefighter, a township officer, a farmers’ cooperative board president, and a coach to bring practical solutions to the hard working families who live in District 45. Together, we can shift the conversation away from toxic culture war distractions and focus on a platform that brings meaningful change into the households that bind our communities together.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Ross is grateful to be a product of North Dakota’s public schools; schools that helped shape his work ethic, curiosity, and sense of responsibility to community. He believes a strong public education system is one of the greatest investments we can make in our children, our workforce, and the future of our state. Ross wants every student to have the same opportunity to succeed after graduation. That means classrooms where teachers are supported, students are well prepared for careers or college, and families feel welcomed as partners in their children’s education. Public schools have always been the heart of North Dakota communities, and Ross believes they deserve steady, dependable support.Ross believes every North Dakotan should be able to see a doctor and afford the care their family needs. Good health shouldn’t depend on where you live, what job you hold, or how much is in your checking account. Our goal should be a healthcare system that is reliable, affordable, and focused on better outcomes for patients. This issue is personal for Ross. As a self-employed small business owner, he knows how stressful and confusing health insurance can be. That challenge became even more real in 2020 when his daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and the Lockhart family had to navigate the cost of lifelong care. Experiences like that are shared by families across North Dakota.Ross believes one of the highest responsibilities of an elected official is to be open and accountable to the people they serve. North Dakotans expect their government to be honest, efficient, and focused on the public good. When decisions are made behind closed doors or spending priorities don’t match the needs of everyday families, trust in government begins to erode. Ross supports common-sense reforms that put transparency first and ensure tax dollars are used wisely. He believes policies should reflect North Dakota values of moderation and respect for public service. If elected, Ross will work to strengthen oversight, improve reporting to the public, and make sure every dollar is treated with care.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Agriculture, Healthcare, Public Education, Transparency.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

District 45 Democratic-NPL

Cass County Dems United