Landon Bahl, the Republican representative for District 17 in North Dakota, announced on Sunday that he will not seek reelection in 2026. This decision comes as Bahl shifts his focus to his new professional venture, having recently co-founded a private equity firm named Alluvium Equity.
Bahl emphasized the demands of starting a business, stating, “Any business in its early stages is challenging and demands the utmost attention.” He noted that the time commitment required for legislative duties, which includes being away for over four months each year, made it difficult to manage both roles effectively. “We’re just at such a critical phase with it being brand new, and I just needed to devote my sole time and attention to that,” he explained.
First elected to the North Dakota House in 2022, Bahl has been active on several legislative committees, including the Government and Veterans Affairs Committee, the Industry, Business and Labor Committee, and the Judiciary Committee. He expressed that his work on these committees was among the most rewarding aspects of his time in office. In particular, he highlighted his involvement with the Industry, Business and Labor Committee, noting, “We truly came to work every single day trying to implement new policies and get rid of old policies that hindered business growth.”
His experiences on the Government and Veterans Affairs Committee were described as “eye-opening,” as they provided him with insight into the services available to veterans in North Dakota. Bahl took pride in advocating for veterans’ needs and sharing their stories. Additionally, he noted his role in passing significant property tax relief during the previous legislative session. “It may not necessarily be what every single homeowner wanted, it may not be enough for some, but at the end of the day, it was truly historic property tax relief that the Legislature provided,” he said.
Another key achievement during Bahl’s tenure was the introduction of the North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine, a mental health program aimed at supporting pilots throughout the state. He introduced the bill to create this program in 2025.
As he prepares to conclude his time in office, Bahl indicated his intention to remain engaged in civic life. He expressed interest in potentially running for a local elected position that would allow him to contribute more directly to his community. “I’m really excited to stay actively involved on a local level, and maybe someday that might mean an elected office in or around our city,” he stated.
Until the end of his term, which concludes at the end of this year, Bahl will continue his work on interim committees, such as the Higher Education Institutions Committee and Employee Benefits Programs Committee. He remains committed to advocating for annual legislative sessions and other initiatives that benefit his constituents.
Bahl also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the residents of District 17, his fellow lawmakers including Senator Jonathan Sickler and Representative Mark Sanford, and the employees of various state agencies. His contributions to North Dakota’s legislative landscape reflect his dedication to public service and community improvement.
