Josh Boschee launches bid for Fargo mayor, says city needs 'new direction'

The North Dakota legislator joins a race where at least three people will face each other in the June 9 primary election

FARGO — A longtime Democratic lawmaker has entered the Fargo mayoral race, saying the city needs "new direction."

As more than 150 people cheered on at the Rose Creek Golf Course Events Center, North Dakota Sen. Josh Boschee announced Tuesday, Jan. 6, that he will seek to succeed Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney. If elected during the June 9 primary election, Fargo would have a leader who has not previously sat on the City Commission.

“What I’ve heard from people time and time again is Fargo is ready for a new direction, one that’s accountable, pragmatic and focused on results,” Boschee said.

Boschee grew up in Minot and moved to Fargo 25 years ago, when he attended North Dakota State University. He campaigned for President Barack Obama’s 2008 election.

After years of working to get others elected to office, Boschee won his first election in 2012 when he campaigned for a seat in North Dakota House. He served as the House minority leader from 2019 through April 2023, then was elected to the North Dakota Senate in 2024, where he is the assistant minority leader.

Boschee represents District 44, which covers much of downtown and parts of northeast Fargo.

He said he would vacate his Senate seat if elected mayor. The Fargo City Commission voted in September to transition the mayoral post from a part-time to full-time position starting June. 1.

Both the Senate seat and mayor’s post deserve a person who is 100% dedicated to each job, Boschee said. It wouldn’t be fair to either position’s constituents if he split his time between the two, he said.

The next mayor's term begins July 1, with the first City Commission meeting they will lead scheduled for July 6. If Boschee is elected mayor, his district will pick a replacement to fill his seat after his resignation until his term expires in 2028.

Boschee said he will push for accountability, “public safety that builds trust,” solutions for affordable housing, fiscal responsibility and “a mayor who listens.” Fargo is facing rising costs, unresolved homelessness, feelings of not feeling safe and concerns about quality of life, he said.

Leadership needs to be honest about what is not working in city government, Boschee said.

“Too many residents feel like City Hall has been managing problems instead of solving them, and they are ready for a new direction,” he said.

Mahoney has been mayor since 2015 and cannot seek reelection since Fargo bans mayors and city commissioners from serving more than three consecutive four-year terms. He was last elected in 2022.

The City Commission has faced several controversies in recent months, including Mahoney’s proposals to stop broadcasting public comments and end the Arts and Culture, Native American and Human Rights commissions.

Commissioners said they were not consulted about the proposals ahead of meetings when Mahoney discussed his recommendations. The City Commission reversed the public comment proposal, and Mahoney backed away from his suggestion to end the three commissions without giving the boards more time to come up with a solution to remain active.

Fargo also attempted to annex an artificial intelligence data center from nearby Harwood’s territory but withdrew the proposal.

Boschee said he would focus on fresh outcomes for the city, be transparent, listen to constituents and make sure Fargo is a “better neighbor” with other cities and community organizations in the metro area. Fargo can’t ignore its growing homeless population or perception that Fargo is not a safe place to live, despite dropping crime numbers, he said.

“People deserve to feel safe in their homes and in their neighborhoods and throughout our community and to know their concerns are being taken seriously,” Boschee said.

Boschee said he would be a mayor for all residents. He backed proposals to set up wards to elect city leaders.

“Too many residents feel unheard by City Hall,” he said. “We won’t depend on people coming to City Hall. We will take City Hall out to the neighborhoods.”

Boschee is the third person to announce a mayoral campaign in Fargo, and more could follow suit. City Commissioner Denise Kolpack launched her bid for mayor Monday. Fargo Human Rights Commission Chair Sekou Sirleaf also told The Forum on Monday that he plans to make an official announcement to run for the office in the near future.

City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg said Monday on Facebook that she is discussing the possibility of a mayoral run with her family and “trusted network of support.”

“My decision will be made soon!” the post said.

City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn is ineligible to seek another term since he has served on the board since 2014. He has not said whether he would launch a mayoral campaign.