Meet the Billings County Candidates

With state and national races set to be determined during the Nov. 3, 2026 general election, North Dakota counties also will choose who will represent voters for contests such as commissioner, treasurer/auditor and sheriff. Eight individuals are currently on the official Billings County ballot, so The Pioneer reached out to them to provide a refresher course on their goals and hopes should they gain or retain their respective offices.

County Commissioner At-Large by District Unexpired 2-Year Term – District 4

Kevin Kessel

Q: What encouraged you to seek the office you’re occupying or seeking?

A: I decided to run for the newly created county commission district 4 to provide greater transparency and accountability to the taxpayers of Billings County. It’s a new district to provide new ideas and solutions to the County. 

Q: Do you hope to maintain the status-quo, or do you have some specific plans during your time as officeholder?

A: 1) I plan to be a voice for Fiscal Responsibility of taxpayer dollars. 2) Be open and honest with county decisions. 3) Improve on the plan for the maintenance of county roads.

Q: How will your county or municipality improve under your leadership?

A: With more accountability and transparency, the people will understand the reasons behind the decisions made. Managing the spending of needs vs wants can better prepare the county for the future, while still focusing on the projects and issues that are relevant to the county today.

County Commissioner At-Large by District Unexpired 2-Year Term – District 4

Kyle Shockley

Q: What encouraged you to seek the office you’re occupying or seeking?

A: I have thought about becoming a commissioner a lot since the last round of elections, and I feel with my background working with several agencies across the state over the years I can offer some good insight on how the county progress’s. It wasn’t until I was sitting in a commission meeting about a year ago and a commissioner wanted to get an outside attorney’s opinion in regards to a section of road that is private but still wanted to proceeds with finding a way of making it a county road against the wishes of the owner. That is when I thought there needs to be a change in how the commission does business.

Q: Do you hope to maintain the status-quo, or do you have some specific plans during your time as officeholder?

A: Things will never stay status-quo, change is inevitable whether we welcome it or not. My plan would be on continuing to improve our roads and our county infrastructure as a whole by assuring our county departments have what they need to thrive and reach their goals.  

Q: How will your county or municipality improve under your leadership?

A: I would work towards what is best for the greater good and ensure needs are being met for our county to thrive as a whole rather than for individuals personal interest.

County Commissioner At-Large by District – District 2

Steven Klym

Q: What encouraged you to seek the office you’re occupying or seeking?

A: I first sought running for Commissioner to bring a younger perspective to the Billings County Commission. I would like to continue working to lead our county in the right direction fiscally to ensure it remains financially strong for years to come. Putting words into action, I moved to decrease the commissioners’ salaries from $33,000 to $20,000 at the June meeting, but the motion died from lack of support from the other commissioners.

Q: Do you hope to maintain the status-quo, or do you have some specific plans during your time as officeholder?

A: With the change to a 5 member board I believe there will be adjustments for commissioners and residents. Decreasing our general fund expenditures is one specific goal I have. I would like to work towards improving the culture among county employees through department heads and beyond so that Billings County is a sought-after employer that attracts and retains great employees. I’m grateful for all the hard-working employees we have in place now.

Q: How will your county or municipality improve under your leadership?

A: With 4 years of experience I believe I can help the new commissioners understand the different budgets, funds, and roles to make informed decisions. In my experience there is a solid year learning curve to fully understand the role and duties of a commissioner.

County Commissioner At-Large by District – District 2

Rodney “Rudy” Syminow

Q: What encouraged you to seek the office you’re occupying or seeking?

A: I grew up and was raised in Billings County; it has been my home for more than 60 years. I have always wanted to find a way to give back to the county and I feel this is one way I can achieve that. Many generations of my family have lived in the county, and I feel very strongly about improving the county in any way that I am able to. I feel this position would give me a great opportunity to do that. 

Q: Do you hope to maintain the status quo, or do you have some specific plans during your time as officeholder?

A: My main goal is to utilize the county budget efficiently and to allocate funds where they are needed. One of my goals that is very important to me is the condition of the county roads. As a Billings County bus driver and owner, I have a unique understanding of the condition of the county roads and how critical is to the safety and well-being of the kids in our county. The county roads and bridges would be my first priority if I am elected. 

Q: How will your county or municipality improve under your leadership?

A: I will continue to maintain a good working relationship with county employees and ensure they have all the resources they need to serve the county residents successfully. As commissioners we need to continue to make the right decisions to emphasize the importance to encourage young people to move to our county and also keep them here I believe that under my leadership, alongside the other County Commissioners, we will help improve the lives of the residents of Billings County.

Work closely with other commissioners RE the county yearly budget working relationship with road crew emergency management service.  

County Auditor/Treasurer

Marcia (Lamb) Kessel

Q: What encouraged you to seek the office you’re occupying or seeking?

A: I sought this office because I believe local government matters and because I wanted to serve the community I call home.

Many people don’t realize how much happens through the Auditor/Treasurer’s office. We oversee elections, budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, property tax administration, and many other responsibilities that keep county government running day to day. We also administer payroll and benefits for the employees of the county as well as the Human Service Zone, which serves five counties and all of their employees.

My background in administration, law and finance prepared me for the work, but what really drew me to the position was the opportunity to help people and make sure county government operates honestly, efficiently, and transparently.

One thing I’ve learned is that people often have questions about local government but aren’t always sure where to start or comfortable asking. I’ve always believed the Auditor’s office should be approachable. If someone wants to understand where their tax dollars go or how a process works, I want them to feel comfortable calling or stopping by. Public records belong to the public, and helping people understand them is one of the most important parts of my job.

Q: Do you hope to maintain the status-quo, or do you have some specific plans during your time as officeholder?

A: I think there’s value in keeping what works while continuing to look for ways to improve.

My goal has never been change for the sake of change. Instead, I focus on finding better ways to serve the public, improving efficiency, and making information more accessible and understandable. One of the newest ways my office is doing that is by releasing a searchable online public database of County Commission minutes, back to 1886!

I want taxpayers to know their money is being managed by my office responsibly, elections are administered fairly, and county business through the Auditor’s office  is conducted openly. Government works best when it’s practical, transparent, and focused on serving the people, and that’s the approach I intend to continue.

Q: How will your county or municipality improve under your leadership?

A: Billings County is unique. We have a strong agricultural heritage, a growing tourism economy, energy development, and increasing interest from people who want to live and invest here. Some of these opportunities are exciting, but they also create challenges and place greater demands on local government, public services, and the people who have called this county home for generations. Under my leadership, I will continue working to ensure county government remains responsive, transparent, and prepared to manage that growth responsibly while protecting the residents and making sure they are heard. 

As your Auditor/Treasurer, I’ll continue working to keep county operations running smoothly, maintain transparency in government, safeguard the integrity of our elections, and provide the level of service residents deserve. I want people to know they can walk into my office, ask questions, and receive honest answers.

One thing about our residents that I’m especially proud of is that Billings County consistently has the highest voter turnout percentage in North Dakota. To me, that says a lot about our community. People here care about their county, stay informed, and get involved. I’m committed to continuing fair, accurate, and accessible elections so that trust remains strong.

Being a resident, landowner, mother, wife, and rancher in Billings County, with no plans of ever leaving, God willing, means I have a vested interest in what our local government looks like and how decisions are made. Throughout my time in office, I’ve tried to do my job the same way every day: follow the law, treat people fairly, be honest, and do what’s right even when it’s difficult. I believe our community improves when people can trust their government, know their voices are heard, and have confidence that decisions are being made fairly and transparently. That is the standard I will continue to uphold.

County Auditor/Treasurer

Patrick Rummel

Q: What encouraged you to seek the office you’re occupying or seeking?

A: I was encouraged to run for Billings County Auditor after hearing residents’ concerns about limited access to county business and the county’s use of eminent domain. County officials have a responsibility to keep residents informed, especially those unable to attend meetings in person. Official county minutes have been incomplete, sometimes inaccurate, and frequently published late or not at all. In recent years, minutes appeared in the official county newspaper only about half the time. If elected, I will work to ensure all minutes are accurate and published on time. I am also concerned about the use of eminent domain and believe county officials should respect landowner rights while serving the residents of Billings County.

Q: Do you hope to maintain the status-quo, or do you have some specific plans during your time as officeholder?

A: If elected Billings County Auditor, I believe maintaining the status quo should never be an option. The Auditor’s Office should continually strive to improve all aspects of its operations and responsibilities. The Auditor must pursue continuing education to stay current on the laws, regulations, and best practices associated with the position. It is equally important to ensure that office employees receive the training and education necessary to perform their duties effectively. Education does not end when you get a job; it continues throughout your career.

Q: How will your county improve under your leadership?

A: Under my leadership, I will prioritize transparency, accuracy, and accessible records for all county residents. I believe providing clear information and organized records will strengthen our county and empower residents with knowledge, not rumors. As Auditor, I will ensure elections are fair, accurate, and that all candidates and measures are treated equally. County employees must always remember they are stewards of taxpayer funds and public trust. Billings County residents deserve honest, efficient service and open communication from their officials.

County Sheriff

Travis Collins

Q: What encouraged you to seek the office you’re occupying or seeking?

A: I started working for the Billings County Sheriff’s Office since January 2022. I am in the current position of Chief Deputy Sheriff. I have been working for local goverment agencies in law enforcement in full time capacity since November 1997. My experience includes being elected as Sheriff for partial term and two full terms in Adams County. With the retirement of current Sheriff Dean Wyckoff and knowing my experience background was encouraged to seek the office. 

Q: Do you hope to maintain the status-quo, or do you have some specific plans during your time as officeholder?

A: I have worked with the previous Sheriff’s of Billings County for several of the previous administrations. They have built a strong community supported operations base to support the citizens and visitors to our community. There are no major changes necessary, just encouraging that we continue to provide the level of services to keep everyone safe. I want to continue to encourage our office members to be community oriented while staying current with current case law to provide the best services to our citizens. 

Q: How will your county or municipality improve under your leadership?

A: We have a strong base developed as I previously indicated. To improve under my leadership I want to explain throughout my experience in law enforcement I have worked in smaller rural communities, so understand the importance of fiscal responsibility to be balanced with being able to provide the service to ensure the safety of our community. I have and plan to continue to advocate for donations and grant opportunties to help keep our local funding from being stressed while addressing the needs for needed equipment to support our efforts. To continue training our team to improve ourselves to increase our goal of protecting our citizens and property. 

County Sheriff

John Tczap

(NOT PICTURED)

Q: What encouraged you to seek the office you’re occupying or seeking?

A: I didn’t seek out this office; our community chose me. In Billings County of less than 1,000 people, a write-in vote during the primaries is a deeply personal honor. After serving Billings County as a Deputy for 35 years, I am stepping up because I believe in standing right by my neighbors. My focus is entirely on serving the people who put their trust in me, listening to our families, and ensuring our law enforcement is a supportive, active part of daily small-town life.

Q: Do you hope to maintain the status-quo, or do you have some specific plans during your time as officeholder?

A: I absolutely plan to change the status quo, which is exactly why our neighbors wrote my name on the ballot. In a small county, you shouldn’t have to wonder where your law enforcement is. People are tired of an invisible department. Drawing on my 35 years with Billings County, my plan is simple: get out of the office and into the community. My administration will be highly visible, accessible, and actively engaged in keeping our close-knit community safe and connected.

Q: How will your county or municipality improve under your leadership?

A: Under my leadership, our county will improve because citizen complaints will finally be answered. In a small community, your voice matters, yet local concerns have gone unaddressed for too long. We will prioritize active, visible patrol where our residents ask for it most, ensuring out-of-town traffic respects our community standards. By being responsive to our neighbors instead of hiding behind a desk, we will rebuild trust and keep our streets safe for everyone.