Rep. Landon Bahl, a Republican representing District 17 in Grand Forks, has announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026. Bahl’s decision stems from his recent commitment to a new venture, having co-founded a private equity firm named Alluvium Equity. He emphasized that the demands of launching a new business require focused attention, which his role in the legislature complicates due to the extensive time commitment involved.
Bahl stated, “Any business in its early stages is challenging and demands the utmost attention. The Legislature, when you’re gone for four-plus months every year, it can hinder that.” He noted that his firm is currently at a critical phase, prompting his choice to dedicate his full time and efforts to this new endeavor.
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 reflected positively on his experiences, particularly highlighting his work on the Industry, Business and Labor Committee, where he aimed to foster business growth.
“Every day, we truly came to work trying to implement new policies and get rid of old policies that hindered business growth,” he remarked. His tenure also provided him with valuable insights into veteran affairs through his role on the Government and Veterans Affairs Committee, where he learned about essential services available to veterans in North Dakota.
Among his legislative achievements, Bahl is proud of his involvement in passing historic property tax relief during the last session. He remarked, “It may not be what every single homeowner wanted, but at the end of the day, it was truly historic property tax relief that the Legislature provided.”
Bahl also introduced a bill to create the North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine, a mental health program benefiting pilots at the University of North Dakota and across the state. This initiative reflects his commitment to addressing the mental health needs of those in the aviation sector.
Looking ahead, Bahl expressed his intention to remain engaged in civic life, potentially considering a local elected position that aligns with his aspirations to contribute to his community while managing his business. “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.
As his term concludes at the end of the year, Bahl plans to continue serving on interim committees, including the Higher Education Institutions Committee and the Employee Benefits Programs Committee. He remains dedicated to advocating for annually convened legislative sessions.
In his farewell message, Bahl acknowledged the support he received from his constituents in District 17, as well as his fellow lawmakers, including Sen. Jonathan Sickler and Rep. Mark Sanford. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that defined his legislative journey.
