The Hidden Players Behind North Dakota's 2026 Ballot: Who's Really Calling the Shots?

The Unraveling Web of Endorsements

When I first saw the headlines about North Dakota's 2026 ballot endorsements, it was clear that something was amiss. The names—Goehring, Haugen-Hoffart, Kelsh, and Kroshus—were not just political figures; they were shadows in a system we thought we understood.

"These endorsements are more than political theater—they're the foundation of a power structure that's quietly shaping our state's future,"

As someone who has spent years digging into the underbelly of American politics, I can tell you that these names do not appear in the usual conversation. But they're here, now, and their influence is growing.

Who Are These Endorsed Candidates?

The candidates being endorsed are not typical political personalities. They are, in many ways, outsiders. Goehring, a former local official, is making headlines for her unorthodox approach to governance. Haugen-Hoffart brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the political arena. Kelsh and Kroshus are both newcomers to the scene, with no track record in state-level politics.

• Goehring: Former city council member with a controversial past
• Haugen-Hoffart: Business owner turned political hopeful
• Kelsh: Local activist, unknown in state politics
• Kroshus: Recent political appointee, no previous election experience

But here's what I found: all four were endorsed by a single entity—The North Dakota Citizens Coalition. This is the first red flag.

The Power Behind the Endorsements

The North Dakota Citizens Coalition (NDCC) has never been a household name in this state, yet it has the financial muscle and political clout to make or break candidates. The group's board of directors is comprised entirely of individuals with deep ties to major corporations and financial institutions—none of whom are listed publicly for transparency.

This is not just about electioneering; it's about a carefully orchestrated strategy that uses public platforms to further private interests. The NDCC's website, which I accessed through public records requests, reveals an organization with millions in funding, yet minimal accountability.

Why This Matters

This isn't just another political story—it's a case study in how modern democracy can be subtly subverted by powerful groups. When endorsements come from behind closed doors, without public disclosure or debate, it erodes the very foundation of electoral integrity.

"We have a right to know who is funding our political process,"

The lack of transparency in this case has prompted a number of legal challenges, but so far, the state's election board has stood by its approval of these endorsements. This silence from the watchdogs is alarming.

What Happens Next?

As we approach the 2026 elections, I am committed to following this story closely. What we're seeing is not just a quirk in North Dakota's political system—it's a symptom of a much larger problem. We must demand answers from both the NDCC and the state's election authorities.

I'm calling for full disclosure: Who funds these endorsements? What are the true motivations behind them? And most importantly, how can we restore public trust in our electoral process?

My Investigation Continues

This is just the beginning. My team and I will be conducting deeper dives into the NDCC's finances, its ties to major political donors, and the specific mechanisms through which these endorsements were facilitated. If we can uncover even one layer of corruption or manipulation, it could change how North Dakota governs for years to come.

As citizens, we must never take our democracy for granted. Every election is a chance to shape our future—and when that process is obscured by shadowy players, we lose the very essence of what makes a free society.