State Senator Jon Casper Not Running For Insurance Commissioner

Back before the holiday break state Senator Jon Casper told me he was interested in potentially pursuing a campaign for Insurance Commissioner.

The news came as incumbent commissioner Adam Hamm, who was appointed to the office in 2007 and won election to it in 2008 and 2012, announced his decision to step down at the end of his current term.

“I’m very happy right now with my career and the opportunity to serve in the ND Senate; that being said, I’m humbled to have had a number of leaders across ND encourage me to run, so I’m going to give the position and potential campaign serious thought,” Casper told me via email.

[mks_pullquote align=”right” width=”300″ size=”24″ bg_color=”#ffffff” txt_color=”#000000″]”I am humbled by the encouragement I received from community, business, and legislative leaders throughout North Dakota to run for Insurance Commissioner but I have decided not to pursue this campaign and instead continue working on behalf of my constituents in Fargo as their State Senator,” he said.[/mks_pullquote]

Today, in an emailed press release, Casper has announced that he’s not seeking the office after all.

“I am humbled by the encouragement I received from community, business, and legislative leaders throughout North Dakota to run for Insurance Commissioner but I have decided not to pursue this campaign and instead continue working on behalf of my constituents in Fargo as their State Senator,” he said. “Whether by serving in the legislature or as an engaged citizen and small-business owner, I am devoted to and passionate about working to improve our communities, schools, and state. North Dakota is full of promise and opportunity and I look forward to continuing to help build a better future for our state for years to come.”

You can read his full release below.

North Dakota has an unusual number of open races on the statewide ballot this cycle. In addition to Hamm’s decision to step aside Governor Jack Dalrymple is not seeking another term, nor is State Auditor Bob Peterson. On the non-partisan ballot, Supreme Court Justice Dale Sandstrom isn’t running for another term, which will mark the first time in 24 years that there’s an open race for a Supreme Court seat.

Had Casper sought the nomination Republicans would have had candidates for all three partisan races. As it stands now they have two candidates each for the gubernatorial and auditor races.

Democrats have no announced candidates yet for any of the statewide offices.