Ryan Braunberger

Ryan Braunberger was born in Fargo, North Dakota. Braunberger graduated from Richland High School. He earned an associate degree in business administration from Southeastern Technical College in 2007 and a bachelor's degree in social work from Minnesota State University at Moorhead in 2022. Braunberger's career experience includes working as an independent contractor and transportation specialist, and working in the healthcare insurance, automotive insurance, and housing advocacy industries. He has been affiliated with the National Association of Social Workers.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was raised 20 miles south of Fargo, ND, in a small town by working-class parents. I have a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Minnesota State University Moorhead. I have spent a large part of my adult life advocating against discriminatory practices in the LGBTQ community, specifically HIV/AIDs prevention serving as community co-chair for the North Dakota Community Planning Group for HIV and viral hepatitis prevention and care. I have served on the Board of the Center for Equality in Sioux Falls, SD. In addition, I spend my time volunteering at local homeless shelter kitchens.

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?

Housing First, everyone has the right to live in affordable habitable accommodations.Mental Healthcare - Mental healthcare and substance abuse needs to be affordable and long-term lookingRehabilitation - Individuals convicted of crimes deserve a chance to succeed after serving time, we need to ensure these individuals learn the necessary skills to cope with life after prison.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordable housing, Anti-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Substance abuse, mental health access, criminal justice reform, women's rights, and protecting people's rights to vote.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my mother because she has struggled with addiction, only to conquer it. I admire her ability to overcome her obstacles to becoming a loving mother and grandmother.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honest, integrity, and respect.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have compassion for the people around me. I understand that everyone has individual struggles that are difficult to overcome. I believe everyone deserves a helping hand occasionally and am willing to extend that hand to those in need.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of a representative is to represent their constituents. Therefore, they must understand the needs of the people they represent, ensuring laws bring down barriers instead of creating new ones.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I helped North Dakota become a more inviting place with the traditional roots of neighbors helping neighbors.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Challenger Explodes, I was 5 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working as a dishwasher at a country club that my mom worked at when I was 15 years old. I worked there throughout my high school career, for 4 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. I wasn't much of a reader in school but this book kept my attention like no other book did in my youth.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Understanding my calling, until recently I did not know what I was supposed to do in life but have finally found my way.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

There should be a respect for the powers of each position that allows for open dialog between the groups to create laws that benefit the people of the State. I believe that the Governor should work with the state legislatures to pass bills, organize budgets and protect North Dakotans.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

They were attracting and keeping qualified job candidates by ensuring adequate, affordable housing supplies across the state. Unfortunately, a shortage of affordable childcare options in rural North Dakota makes it difficult for parents to maintain employment. We also need to ensure proper access to Mental healthcare across the state by placing the facilities where people reside.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, We represent everyday people that often know little about how government works. It is essential to have individuals that understand the daily struggles of these individuals so they can tailor legislation that reduces barriers to services. Often long-term politicians lose touch with what is happening within the community they represent because they spend more time within the halls of the legislature than in their district.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, we all need to work together with our fellow legislators to ensure we cover all points of view. We need to ensure bills are created equitably for the benefit of all citizens the legislature represents by building relationships.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I favor a non-partisan independent panel that redistricts based on population shifts, not political affiliations.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Human Services Committee-as someone with a degree in Social Work I feel it is important to be involved in a committee that provides direct services to people in need.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, We need to ensure that powers are not limited to just one person.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, compromise is necessary for politics, but politicians should keep their integrity and protect the citizens they represent.