Shelley Lenz

Shelley Lenz earned a high school diploma from Mount Vernon High School and a bachelor's degree from Ohio University in 1990. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996 and a veterinary degree from The Ohio State University in 2001. Lenz's career experience includes working as a veterinarian.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm Dr. Shelley Lenz, a veterinarian and small business owner running for the ND House District 37 because I believe western North Dakota deserves practical leadership focused on the people who keep our communities strong.

While I moved to North Dakota in 2007 to start my veterinary clinic, my family's roots here go back generations. My great-grandparents homesteaded in North Dakota, and although my grandfather left during the hardships of the 1930s in search of educational and economic opportunities, our family maintained ties to the land through my mother, who inherited much of our family ranch. My parents later returned to North Dakota in the 1990s after my father retired.

For the past 18 years, I've built and operated veterinary practices in western North Dakota, first in Killdeer and later expanding to Dickinson. Like many rural business owners, I've faced workforce shortages, housing challenges, rising healthcare costs, and the realities of building a sustainable business in a rapidly changing region.

Through my work, I've created jobs, mentored students, and served families, ranchers, and small businesses across western North Dakota. My doctorate in pharmacology and background in scientific research continue to shape my approach to practical, evidence-based problem solving.

I'm running because I believe North Dakota's economy is only as strong as the people who live and work here — and it's time our policies reflected that.

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?

Workforce is the foundation of North Dakota’s future.

Western North Dakota powers this state, but too many businesses, hospitals, schools, and trades cannot find enough workers. I support expanding career and technical education, building stronger school-to-work pipelines, and creating practical pathways for young people to stay, work, and build families in North Dakota.Healthcare must be affordable and accessible for working North Dakotans.

Small business owners, self-employed workers, farmers/ranchers, and middle-class families are being crushed by healthcare costs. I support practical reforms that strengthen the individual insurance market, improve affordability, and help keep rural healthcare systems stable and accessible.I bring real-world business and community experience.

I’m not a career politician. I’ve spent nearly two decades building a business, managing budgets, creating jobs, and solving problems in western North Dakota. I understand the challenges facing our communities because I work in them every day, and I’ll bring a practical, solutions-focused voice to Bismarck.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare access and affordability, rural workforce development, small business sustainability, and community investment in education and infrastructure.

Shelley Lenz did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.