District 16 Dem-NPL Candidates

Learn more about the candidates running for the District 16 legislature with the Dem-NPL party

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<h2>Allow me to introduce myself and my family!</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/7c576f9e-ea9d-4b5d-b235-02176f1b3a74/93c00e6b-3bf0-42ff-8e7e-b494738ce874/93c00e6b-3bf0-42ff-8e7e-b494738ce874.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C1150%2C3409%2C3964&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h4>My husband Eric and I met when we were 17 and working at a Christian camp in Dent, MN. We're high school sweethearts!</h4>Eric works full-time at Halberstadt's West Acres in Fargo. His main role is being a personal stylist for his customers and he loves what he does! He also films, edits, and stars in their semi-weekly social media video series called Trendsetting. Eric is a native of West Fargo, having graduated from West Fargo High in 2019.Together we have two cats - Stevie and Beast! I adopted Stevie on his first birthday and he is now 5 years old. Beast was adopted by Eric when he was only 4 months old and he is now 3 years old. They are quite snuggly with one another. Stevie loves to play fetch with cat toys and they both enjoy chasing each other around our apartment.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/7c576f9e-ea9d-4b5d-b235-02176f1b3a74/12684cae-05c6-4248-9804-904efe6d1841/12684cae-05c6-4248-9804-904efe6d1841.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C250%2C1536%2C1363&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="35" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed"><h4>I earned two degrees from North Dakota State University (NDSU).</h4>I started with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Human Development Family Science. When I started at NDSU, I thought I wanted to be an elementary school teacher so I worked in an after-school program. I decided over the school year that wasn't quite right for me, and switched to Political Science because I love learning about law and political systems. I decided to keep my Human Development Family Science credits and make that an additional major because I enjoyed learning about it.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/7c576f9e-ea9d-4b5d-b235-02176f1b3a74/ba2ff817-32ac-4e64-86a6-7779895faf7c/ba2ff817-32ac-4e64-86a6-7779895faf7c.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C180%2C1229%2C1356&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">I am finishing up my master's degree in Educational and Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Administration. I know - what a mouthful of a name! That's why I typically refer to it just as Higher Education Administration. I knew two things when I was finishing my bachelor's degree. First, that I wanted to be a politician, and second, that I also wanted to work at universities. That meant that I needed another degree, so on to graduate school I went. I have worked in Residence Life at NDSU for the last 5 years and look forward to starting a professional career in postsecondary education. I truly enjoy being an advocate for students in our universities.<h4>I also competed for Miss North Dakota 2023 and 2024.</h4><img src="https://run.imgix.net/7c576f9e-ea9d-4b5d-b235-02176f1b3a74/c1e66640-cfed-4acb-93ac-08418f6c4508/c1e66640-cfed-4acb-93ac-08418f6c4508.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=743%2C1100%2C1853%2C1983&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="37" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">While competing for the state title, I worked in local communities to combat food insecurity. In the fall of 2022 I was crowned Miss SummerFest out of Grafton. During my year of service, I met with the three main pantries in Fargo and West Fargo. They gave me tours of their facilities and we spoke about their needs and concerns. I expressed my interest in helping ensure all people are fed and asked how I could help them. The most common answer I received was they needed more volunteers.In the summer of 2023 I was crowned Miss Bonanzaville out of West Fargo. This year of service was spent going to area elementary schools to read to kids about food insecurity. After reading, we talked about how we can help our friends and neighbors if we think or know they need help. I also testified in front of a few different legislative committees in ND about anti-hunger legislation - some of which passed both chambers and became law!<h4>While at NDSU, I was a member of Student Government and took American Sign Language Classes.</h4><img src="https://run.imgix.net/7c576f9e-ea9d-4b5d-b235-02176f1b3a74/90de3833-2d5c-40c4-ac40-c80b6f6d77ee/90de3833-2d5c-40c4-ac40-c80b6f6d77ee.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C401%2C1200%2C833&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">I joined Student Government as a Student Senator in fall of 2022. I was appointed as a Senator to represent graduate students in all areas of campus. I worked with other senators to discuss, amend, and pass campus policies and funding that would benefit our campus. I also sat on a few councils and committees to give insight on student perspective. In October of 2023, I was promoted to the role of Executive Commissioner of Academic and Student Affairs or ASA. In this role, I continued to sit on councils and committees, while overseeing a commission of my own. My commissioners and I worked on events, solutions to student concerns, and upgrades to campus infrastructure. I also headlined a project to get cameras and storage of the footage in the on-campus apartment parking lots, funded by Student Government.My American Sign Language (ASL) classes were a highlight of my studies. In the spring of 2021 I found out that through the tri-college agreement, I could take ASL classes at M-State in Moorhead. I signed up for ASL I in fall of 2021 and quickly fell in love with the language. I learned to sign the alphabet in middle school but this was a great expansion of my knowledge. I also took ASL II in spring of 2022 and gained more experience in a fundamental language of many in the D/deaf community (there's a difference in the big D and the little d). I enjoy getting the opportunity to sign with others, even though I am slower at comprehending and responding than someone fluent in ASL. I encourage everyone to learn ASL and about the D/deaf community.

Below are the issues that are at the forefront of the campaign. This page is not a complete list of all current topics. If you have a concern or question for the candidates about the issues, please feel free to reach out to the team using the Contact page.

Our Campaign’s Top Issues

As a first generation college student, I know the value of a hard-won education and I understand that a traditional degree is not right for everyone. I want to encourage all routes of education for our citizens - particularly public options.

As educated people, we know the value of a hard-won education and we understand that a traditional degree is not right for everyone. We want to encourage all routes of education for our citizens - particularly public options.

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

I started working when I was 15 and worked all through my college experience. I know the struggles of trying to make ends meet when wages are stagnant and there are limited protections for workers. It is important to keep our workforce energized and benefitting us all.

We have worked in various service jobs and fought to get into jobs we love. We know the struggles of trying to make ends meet when wages are stagnant and there are limited protections for workers. It is important to keep our workforce energized and benefitting us all.

Workforce Issues

In North Dakota, too many of our citizens are struggling to feed themselves and their families. 1 in 18 North Dakotans experience food insecurity, which goes beyond simply being hungry. We have an obligation as the breadbasket of our nation to feed our citizens.

Food Insecurity

All people should be allowed to make their own medical choices without the input of their government. Access to abortion, emergency contraceptives, birth control, and all forms of sexual healthcare need to be enshrined as a right for all citizens.

Reproductive Rights

Members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community are not a threat to anyone and deserve the respect and dignity afforded to all people. Everyone deserves to love who they love and exist as themselves.

LGBTQIA2S+

Even with the existence of the ADA, members of the disabled community face barriers to everyday living. Visible or invisible, people with disabilities need more protections, access, and inclusion in all aspects of society and life.

Disabilities

Your support is appreciated in the effort to flip District 16!

<h2>Donate to Phil individually.</h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/friends-of-phil-weiss-1">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/friends-of-phil-weiss-1</a><h2>Follow Phil on social media.</h2>Phil Weiss for ND House District 16<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558521719960">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558521719960</a>

<h2>Donate to Heather individually.</h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tyulyandinfornd?fbclid=IwAR2F9rJgpugRndVsSN4Y2XmRbulaMBG_bnPpyomvQrZoKM33SZAQQEL7TtY">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tyulyandinfornd?fbclid=IwAR2F9rJgpugRndVsSN4Y2XmRbulaMBG_bnPpyomvQrZoKM33SZAQQEL7TtY</a><h2>Follow Heather on social media. </h2>Facebook: Heather Tyulyandin for ND District 16 State Senate Twitter/X: @tyulyandinfornd Instagram: @tyulyandinfornd

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<h3>Why I'm running</h3>If we want change, we have to participate. That’s why I’m running… so our voices are heard and the issues we care about can be addressed. My friends and neighbors do not feel that our voices are being heard in Bismarck--I want to change that.North Dakota faces complex issues that require fact-based innovative solutions.&nbsp; I am committed to being a voice for our community. Some of the issues to address:<ul><li>raise incomes and lower costs for working families</li><li>support quality public education</li><li>increase access to quality healthcare, including mental health</li><li>advocate for reproductive rights and private health decisions</li></ul><h3>About me</h3>I grew up in a south Fargo neighborhood and graduated from Fargo South. I earned B.S. degrees from both MSUM and NDSU. After several years working in the service industry in Fargo, I went back to school in echocardiography (I scan hearts) and work in a variety of health care systems. My family influenced my interest in public service. Each generation has served in some capacity, as county commissioners, school board members, state's attorney, sheriff, and legislator. I've seen firsthand that you have to take action if you want to make a positive impact. I hope to be that positive change for District 16.&nbsp;

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We believe in putting people first. There are times where we have to choose between our citizens and increasing profits - it's an easy decision for us. People will always be at the center of our votes and policies.

Click below to read up on what we've been up to in our efforts to put you first! For older articles, it's important to note Heather's maiden name is Gades.

Latest Campaign Developments

This is the press release announcing Julie's candidacy for State Representative.

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West Fargo firefighter announces bid for North Dakota House

These are the bios of Heather, Phil, and Julie that District 16 has shared on their website alongside their endorsement.

District 16 Dem-NPL Endorses Heather Tyulyandin for State Senate

On March 2nd, Cass County Dem-NPL party held their conventions and officially endorsed district candidates. District 16 endorsed Heather Tyulyandin for State Senate and Philip Weiss for State House.

Eight Cass County Democrats receive endorsements for N.D. legislative races

Heather wrote a Letter to the Editor about combatting food insecurity in our state because this is a core issue for her. This is her second Letter to the Editor on this topic.

Letter: More needs to be done to erase school lunch debt in North Dakota

Read about why Heather decided to run and her thoughts on Gen Z involvement in politics!

North Dakota Dems hope to turn heads and a few seats in 2024

Jared Slinde with the Great Plains Food Bank did a podcast episode with Heather to talk about her experience with school lunch shaming.

Heather Gades shared her personal story of lunch shaming

Heather spoke with Joel Heitkamp about her lunch debt story on his show News &amp; Views.

Heather Gades shares her story on school lunch debt

This is Heather's first Letter to the Editor about her own story with food insecurity growing up. This issue is personal to her which is why she continues to fight for ending hunger.

Letter: My principal threatened to not let me walk on graduation day due to lunch debt

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<h2>Donate to Julie individually.</h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/friends-of-julie-west-1">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/friends-of-julie-west-1</a><h2>Follow Julie on social media.</h2>Facebook: Julie West for ND House District 16

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<h2>About me</h2>Nurturing strength and spiritAs a mother of three vibrant boys, each with their own distinct passions, my days are filled with the joy of exploration and connection. Whether we're shooting hoops in the driveway, gathered around the table for game nights, or adventuring in the great outdoors, our bond grows stronger with every shared moment. Witnessing the unique personalities of my sons blossom fills me with immense pride, seeing them evolve into compassionate and driven young men.Embracing curiosityMy own curiosity about the world fuels my love for outdoor exploration and continual learning. Embracing the dynamic nature of my job, I find fulfillment in encountering new challenges that demand creative solutions and fresh perspectives. Though my journey post-high school led me through various academic pursuits—from Psychology to Neuroscience to Exercise Science—my most cherished role has been as a devoted caregiver to my boys during their formative years. Volunteering in my community has always been a cornerstone of my life, a testament to my belief in the profound impact of serving others.Be the change you want to see in the worldMy passion for advocacy, particularly for the rights and well-being of women and children, was deeply inspired by my grandmother's tireless dedication to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Her legacy became my guiding light, especially poignant in her final encouragement to continue her noble work. Shortly before her passing, she expressed such pride in me for "picking up the torch" and following in her footsteps. I've remained steadfast in my commitment to honor her memory by amplifying the voices of the marginalized and fighting against injustice.Home is where the heart isMy family holds a cherished place in my heart, anchoring me through life's highs and lows. Despite the geographical distance that separates us, the influence of my siblings remains a profound force, shaping my journey in countless ways. At the center of it all stands my unwavering pillar of support—my mother. Her boundless love and unwavering encouragement have been constants in my life and have deeply enriched the lives of my boys. I am endlessly grateful for her steadfast presence, knowing that her unwavering support is a beacon of strength in our lives.

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This is the official campaign site for Heather Tyulyandin, Julie West, and Phil Weiss who are running for the state legislature in District 16 in West Fargo, ND.

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Learn about Heather Tyulyandin's family and education.

About Heather Tyulyandin

About Heather

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Learn about Julie West's family, passions, and work history.

About Julie West

About Julie

Learn about Phil Weiss's education and passions.

About Phill Weiss

About Phil

The main issues that the team are campaigning on and sides they take.

News articles regarding the District 16 candidates' campaigns for the state legislature.

Fighting for Education, Families, and the Workforce

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Education

Workforce Issues

Food Insecurity

Reproductive Rights

Your donations make a difference in our campaign!

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Latest Campaign Developments

West Fargo firefighter announces bid for North Dakota House

District 16 Dem-NPL Endorses Heather Tyulyandin for State Senate

Eight Cass County Democrats receive endorsements for N.D. legislative races

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