Tyler York

Tyler York graduated from May-Port CG High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota in 2006. His career experience includes working as a technician.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a lifelong musician, instrument repair technician, and community advocate. I’ve spent nearly two decades working at Popplers Music in Grand Forks, helping students, educators, and musicians keep music alive in our schools and communities. I’m also a professional horn player involved with regional orchestras and youth music programs. Instead of fixing instruments, I intend to help fix problems facing our state.

I’m running because I’ve watched communities and schools be asked to do more with less while costs continue to rise. Working closely with schools and music programs, those struggles feel very personal to me. It’s also important to me to see families choosing to stay in North Dakota. Rising costs, healthcare that’s harder to access, and a lack of housing options all make life tough.

Public education played a major role in my own life. I grew up in a lower income household, and the opportunities I received through public schools, music education, and supportive teachers helped shape who I became. Those experiences gave me confidence, direction, and opportunity.

Grand Forks gave me the chance to build a career, form lifelong friendships, and put down roots. I’m running because I want future generations to have those same opportunities. I believe strong public schools, reliable infrastructure, accessible healthcare, attainable housing, and vibrant local communities help make North Dakota a place where ordinary people and families can build a good life.

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?

Stability means making North Dakota a place where ordinary people and families can build secure lives and plan for the future. That starts with strong public schools, reliable infrastructure, accessible healthcare, and an economy where wages can keep up with rising costs. Too many communities are being asked to do more with less while families face increasing pressure from housing, childcare, and healthcare expenses. Schools are also being asked for make hard choices due to shrinking budgets. I believe government should focus less on political theater and more on creating steady, practical solutions that help communities grow, support working families, and give young people reasons to stay in North Dakota.Stewardship means being responsible with the resources, communities, and institutions we’ve been entrusted with. North Dakota has benefited from its natural resources and strong economy, but we must make sure that success is invested wisely and sustainably for all North Dakotans, present and future. That includes maintaining infrastructure before problems become more expensive, supporting strong schools and public services, and ensuring growth benefits local communities instead of leaving them behind. I believe in practical, long term thinking that balances economic development with fiscal responsibility, protects the quality of life North Dakotans value, and leaves future generations with opportunities instead of avoidable problems.Service means remembering that public office is about helping people and strengthening communities, not chasing attention or political points. I believe elected officials should listen respectfully, be accessible to the people they represent, and focus on solving real problems that affect everyday life. Service also means supporting the organizations and institutions that help communities thrive, from schools and libraries to local businesses, volunteer groups, arts organizations, and emergency services. North Dakota succeeds when people are willing to step up, work together, and invest in their communities. I want to bring that same spirit of service to the Legislature.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m especially passionate about public education, infrastructure, healthcare access, housing, considering how we use our natural resources, and community development. Through my work with schools and music programs, I’ve seen how important strong public education is not only for students, but for the long term health of our communities and workforce. I’m also passionate about maintaining and improving infrastructure responsibly so communities aren’t forced to carry unsustainable costs alone. More broadly, I care deeply about policies that help families build stable lives, encourage young people to stay in North Dakota, and strengthen local communities so people feel connected, supported, and optimistic about the future.