Zach Raknerud

Raknerud was born in Fargo, North Dakota. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota in 2016. His career experience includes working in the retail sector in executive management.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong North Dakotan who cares deeply about this state and my country. I am running for Congress because we are witness to a government on the verge of oligarchy. We need to shift focus from campaign contributors and special interests to the working people of this country, who are getting left behind.

Tens of millions of Americans lack health insurance, tens of millions more are under-insured. Young people are leaving our state universities with an average of more than $30,000 in student loan debt, despite families often chipping in thousands of dollars to help. Our nation's infrastructure is crumbling as we spend trillions on wars abroad. We have the most people in jail of any nation on earth, spending tens of billions annually to fight the War on Drugs. Many of American's basic needs, including housing and childcare, are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

We need a Congress that puts working families and their priorities first and foremost. I intend to bring that representation to the people of North Dakota.

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?

Publicly finance our elections through an elections dividend to every voting age AmericanUniversal healthcare coverageNew Deal style federal jobs program

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about the fact that Congress does not have the priorities of working class Americans top of mind. They clearly legislate at the behest of those who fund campaigns and inundate the airwaves on the behalf of those same candidates. This problem has poisoned our politics and has had negative effects on the standard of living of every-day Americans.

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

I look up most to the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He understood in a deep way not only the importance of racial justice but also economic justice. He understood how in many ways those things are intrinsically linked. Economic security is tied directly to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Saving Capitalism by Robert Reich

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

Integrity and a real connection to the realities their constituents face on a daily basis and an unparalleled passion to improve their lives.

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

Well spoken, a good leader and an understanding of the every-day realities that the people of North Dakota are facing coupled with a passion to work hard on their behalf.

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

To improve the lives of their constituents through legislation that invests in their well-being and right to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One where there is no doubt that my service was completely absent of self interests.

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

9/11 when I was eight years old and to a greater extent The Great Recession when I was fourteen years old.

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

When I was 14 years old I was hired at a convenience store in my rural hometown. I held the job until I left for college four years later.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Saving Capitalism by Robert Reich

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

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

Nicotine addiction

What process do you favor for redistricting?

An independent commission, politicians should not be able to pick their voters.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It truly is the people's house. The founding fathers clearly intended the House of Representatives to be more populist in nature, being comprised of every-day members of their district that is most trusted to deliver tangible results.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

While beneficial, it is more important that a representative is in-tune with the realities their constituents face on a daily basis and is passionate about helping to improve their lives.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The continual mass concentration of wealth at the top of the economy at the same time that the economic foundation of every-day Americans continues to erode.

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

Agriculture, Appropriations

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support them.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I would love to form and lead a commission titled "The New Deal Commission".

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Bernie Sanders demonstrated how effective a representative can be even if the rest of Congress doesn't share your ideals in regards to legislation as a primary sponsor. Dubbed "The Amendment King", he showed how an engaged and active representative can make a real difference through the roll-call amendment process.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The many folks who had a loved one pass on because they were financially locked out the healthcare system for preventative care until it was too late to come back from.