Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee Resigns from North Dakota Senate

Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee announced his resignation from the North Dakota Senate effective August 4, 2026. Having been elected mayor in June, Boschee accelerated his departure to ensure the District 44 Democratic-NPL executive committee could appoint a successor before a special legislative session scheduled for September 2.

Governor Kelly Armstrong called the special session specifically to address a ban on kratom. Because the resignation occurred after the August 1 ballot deadline, the appointee will serve the remainder of the term ending in 2028. Jessie Smette, chair of the district committee, confirmed that the selection process is complete and a replacement will be announced later in the week.

Boschee's departure marks the end of a legislative career that began in the state House in 2012 and continued in the Senate since 2024. He was the first openly gay member of the North Dakota Legislature.