Fargo’s newly installed mayor, Josh Boschee, has formally resigned his seat in the North Dakota Senate, creating an immediate vacancy for District 44 just weeks before a governor-called special legislative session.
Resignation timed for special session
Boschee submitted his resignation Monday, to be effective Aug. 4, 2026, citing the need for District 44 to have an appointed senator in place ahead of the special session convened by Gov. Kelly Armstrong in September. In a public post on social media, he said he accelerated his timeline so a new senator could prepare for that session while he concentrates on his duties at City Hall.
“With the Governor calling for a special legislative session in September, I have expedited my timeline and submitted my official resignation this afternoon to be effective Tuesday, August 4th,”
He added that the change will allow District 44 to be represented in the Legislature’s upcoming work without delay.
Fourteen years representing downtown and north Fargo
Boschee served District 44 for 14 years, representing downtown Fargo and north Fargo. During his time in Bismarck, he sat on the Senate’s Education and Workforce Development committees. In his resignation letter, he reflected on accomplishments tied to housing, education, workforce training, public safety and transit.
He also pointed to the statewide response to the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the most difficult stretches of his legislative tenure, and said he departs the Legislature with optimism for the state’s future.
What comes next for District 44
Boschee’s resignation triggers the process to fill the District 44 seat. Under state law and local party rules, an appointee will be selected to serve until the next election. Officials in Fargo and the state party will coordinate the replacement procedure; Boschee said he wanted a new senator named in time to prepare for the special session.
- Effective date of resignation: Aug. 4, 2026
- District affected: 44 (downtown and north Fargo)
- Years served by Boschee: 14
- Committees: Education; Workforce Development
City Hall and party officials did not immediately announce a timetable for appointments or candidate interviews. The vacancy will be watched closely because the appointed senator could be asked to vote on measures considered during the September session.
Local and legislative implications
For Fargo constituents, the change means representation in Bismarck will briefly shift from an elected senator with long experience to an appointed member who may have limited time to get up to speed on ongoing priorities. Boschee said he intends to continue collaborating with state lawmakers over the next four years while serving as mayor.
At the state level, Boschee’s departure reduces the number of seasoned voices on committees that handle education and workforce policy. Those subject areas have been focal points of Boschee’s legislative work, and advocates on housing and public transit will likely seek to engage the newly appointed senator to maintain momentum on initiatives advanced during his tenure.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Resignation effective | Aug. 4, 2026 |
| District | 44 (downtown and north Fargo) |
| Years in Senate | 14 |
| Committees served | Education; Workforce Development |
Background on Boschee’s public service
Before taking office as mayor earlier this year, Boschee built a legislative record that emphasized affordable housing, public education improvements, workforce development efforts, public safety and transportation initiatives. His time in the Senate included work on legislation aimed at strengthening those areas.
In stepping down, Boschee said his decision was not simple but he expressed confidence in Fargo’s future and a desire to focus fully on running the city.
The coming days will clarify how quickly District 44’s vacancy is filled and who will represent downtown and north Fargo in the special session. Residents and local organizations with interest in state policy should watch for announcements from the Fargo city party organization and the governor’s office for next steps.
Reporting from the state capital and Fargo will follow developments as the appointment process unfolds and as lawmakers convene for the September session.
