Sean Cleary

Sean Cleary was born in Bismarck, North Dakota. Cleary graduated from St. Mary's Central High School in 2010. He earned a bachelor's degree in social and behavioral sciences from the University of Mary in 2013 and a master's degree in applied economics from the University of North Dakota in 2017. Cleary's career experience includes working as a grant writer with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, an implementation project manager with National Information Solutions Cooperative, and a regional director with the U.S. Senate, and a marketing manager.[1][2][3][4]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a third-generation Bismarck resident, born and raised in the community I’m honored to represent. I was inspired to run for office in part by my grandma Audrey, who also served in the legislature and showed me the difference public service can make in people’s lives.

My faith and my family are foundational to who I am and guide much of my decision-making. I believe state government should work for everyday people, reflect their values, and focus on results. I try to bring that approach to the legislature by listening to people, solving problems, and finding common-sense solutions. It has been an honor to serve our community in this way.

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?

Affordability: I’m focused on making North Dakota more affordable for families as we face rising costs of living. I’ve worked to provide tax relief, keep energy costs low, and support strong schools while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.Transparency in Government: I believe North Dakotans deserve transparency and accountability in how their money is managed. I’ve worked to grow the Legacy Fund while pushing for greater transparency so the public can clearly see how these resources are invested and used.Health and Human Services: I’ve worked to make essential services more affordable and accessible for North Dakota families, including cutting the cost of insulin and supporting affordable childcare. I’m also committed to ensuring people with disabilities and aging North Dakotans have access to the services and support they need.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m particularly passionate about the Legacy Fund and how we use it to make long-term investments in North Dakota’s future. Responsible management of the fund can help us keep taxes low while continuing to invest in essential services like education, infrastructure, and other priorities that strengthen our communities for generations to come.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Sean is third generation Bismarck resident, where he now lives with his wife and their daughter. He works for the Medora Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to welcoming visitors to the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota. He has served on the staffs of Senator John Hoeven and Governor Doug Burgum, where he focused on health and human services policy.

Sean is an alumnus of the University of Mary and earned a master’s degree in Applied Economics from the University of North Dakota. He is an active member of the Bismarck community, serving on the boards of the Bismarck-Mandan Tennis Association, North Dakota Assistive, and the University of Mary Alumni Association. He is a member of the Rotary and an active volunteer with Junior Achievement. He is Catholic and is a member of the Corpus Christi parish.

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?

Cleary plans to bring conservative North Dakota values to the Legislature, where he will fight for increased transparency and responsiveness to taxpayers.Cleary will focus on growing our economy through providing better educational opportunities, lowering taxes, and advocating for increased investment in North Dakota.Cleary has a history of advocating for North Dakotans at the state and federal levels, and will use that experience to serve his district and state.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Cleary is passionate about making sure North Dakota is always a great place to live, work, and raise a family. This means supporting policies that empower individuals and families, grow our economy, and provide good-paying jobs. He believes this isn't done through a top-down approach, but rather through policies that empower people to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. He is a strong proponent of boosting our education system to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow and believes that economic growth comes through entrepreneurship and innovation, not regulation.

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

Economic growth should never be taken for granted, especially in a rural state like ours. We need to make sure North Dakota is always a place that people want to stay and others want to move to. We can do this by harnessing our natural resources, creating a tax and regulatory environment where businesses want to invest and workers keep more of their paycheck and investing smartly in our priorities to prepare for the challenges of the future, not the past.