Early Life and Formative Influences
Michael Howe was born on September 20, 1986, and grew up in Casselton, North Dakota, embedded within a farming community. He is a fifth-generation farmer, and agriculture has been a defining force in his life since childhood. Howe’s formative years were spent working on his family’s farm, which later became central to his identity both personally and politically.
Howe pursued higher education at North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism and mass communication in 2010. His time at NDSU was marked by involvement in student media, including hosting a sports talk radio show and reporting for The Spectrum. These experiences honed his communication skills and gave him early exposure to public discourse and the power of narrative in civic life.
His education also strengthened his appreciation for agriculture. The combination of mass communication skills and a deep understanding of rural economic issues formed a unique professional profile that would inform his future roles in public service.
Early Career and Introduction to Public Service
After graduating, Howe’s first foray into politics came at the federal level, serving as a legislative correspondent and legislative assistant for then-US Congressman Rick Berg. In that role, he focused on agricultural policy — a natural fit given his background – and developed relationships with policymakers at the state and national levels.
Following his legislative work in Washington, D.C., he took on leadership positions within agricultural organizations. He served as the director of legislative affairs and communications director for the North Dakota Corn Growers Association and was elected as first vice president of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association.
This blend of political and agricultural leadership gave Howe a dual perspective: one shaped by grassroots economic realities and one influenced by the mechanics of legislative advocacy. It positioned him not only as a representative of rural concerns but as someone capable of bridging those concerns with public policymaking.
Service in the North Dakota Legislature (2017–2022)
In 2016, Michael Howe took a pivotal step in his career by running for the North Dakota House of Representatives from District 22 — a largely rural and agriculture-driven constituency. His campaign emphasized conservative principles: limited government, economic opportunity for families and small businesses, and a defense of traditional rural values. Voters responded favorably, electing him to the state legislature, where he took office in December 2016.
During his time in the legislature, Howe stood out for his committee work and fiscal focus. He served on the House Appropriations Committee and became chairman of the interim Government Finance Committee, roles that required deep engagement with state budgeting, financial oversight, and resource allocation.
He was also involved with interim committees focused on water issues and budget oversight, reflecting North Dakota’s broader concerns with natural resources and long-term fiscal planning. His legislative peers recognized him as pragmatic yet ideologically grounded — a conservative who understood the practicalities of governance.
Howe’s legislative career was defined by advocacy for rural economies, opposing government overreach, and streamlining regulation, particularly for small businesses. His approach to governance was steeped in the belief that government should empower citizens rather than dominate them.
Election to Secretary of State (2022)
With incumbent Alvin Jaeger retiring after 30 years in office, the 2022 election cycle presented an opening for new leadership in the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office. Michael Howe seized the opportunity, announcing his candidacy early in 2022 and campaigning on a platform of election security, business-friendly reforms, and greater transparency in government operations.
In the Republican primary, Howe prevailed easily, and in the general election on November 8, 2022, he secured victory with more than 60% of the vote, a decisive win in a predominantly Republican state. He assumed office as North Dakota’s 15th Secretary of State on January 1, 2023.
At age 36, Howe became one of the youngest individuals to serve as Secretary of State in the United States. The role placed him in charge of an office critical to the functioning of democracy — responsible for overseeing elections, business registration, campaign finance systems, and public records. It is a position that not only administers administrative functions but also safeguards the procedural integrity of democratic participation.
Accomplishments and Initiatives as Secretary of State
Election Integrity and the Election Hero Award
From the outset of his tenure, Michael Howe emphasized election integrity and public confidence in election administration. In 2023, he launched the North Dakota Election Hero Award, a program designed to recognize county auditors, election workers, and individuals whose dedication ensures strong election processes. The award was created to amplify the importance of those often working behind the scenes to uphold democratic participation.
In 2024, Howe awarded the North Dakota County Auditors Association with the Election Hero Award, acknowledging their ongoing leadership and service throughout the state.
In 2025, he formally solicited nominations for the 2025 Election Hero Award, underscoring his ongoing commitment to bringing recognition to the individuals at the heart of election administration: county auditors, poll workers, and other stakeholders dedicated to public service.
Part of this initiative reflects a broader philosophical posture: elections are not merely procedural events but communal collaborations that deserve both protection and public appreciation.
Modernization of Campaign Finance and Ethics Systems (2026)
One of the major technological accomplishments of Howe’s tenure came at the start of 2026. On January 1, 2026, the Secretary of State’s office launched modernized digital systems to streamline campaign finance reporting and statement of interests disclosures for candidates, office holders, and certain appointed officials.
These systems were designed to make compliance easier for political actors while also increasing transparency for the public. Under new statutory requirements passed by the 2025 North Dakota Legislative Assembly, these systems enable more accessible disclosure of financial information, potentially minimizing conflicts of interest and fostering public trust.
This initiative represented a noteworthy effort to move North Dakota’s political infrastructure into the digital age. It acknowledged the changing expectations of voters, who increasingly demand accessible public data and accountability from their leaders.
Policy Priorities and Public Philosophy
Howe’s policy priorities as Secretary of State have reflected a blend of conservative principles and a responsiveness to evolving administrative needs.
Election Security and Trust
Perhaps the most high-profile element of Howe’s political agenda revolves around election integrity. In an era marked by national debates over vote security and electoral trust, Howe has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for processes that he claims enhance voter confidence while ensuring results are accurate and tamper-proof.
This includes supporting legislation requiring more frequent financial disclosures by officials — a move he believes will strengthen accountability in public office.
Transparency and Administrative Reform
Alongside election security, Howe has prioritized transparency and efficiency within government systems. His push for new digital systems for campaign finance and interest reporting reflects a belief that modern technology can reduce barriers to compliance and expand public access to critical information.
Controversies and Legal Issues
No political career — especially one centered around elections — remains untouched by controversy. Michael Howe has found himself in the spotlight for legal challenges related to election law and ballot access.
In May 2025, a petition by tribal groups — specifically the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and others — was petitioned to the U.S. Supreme Court in a case against Howe in his official capacity as Secretary of State. The legal filing raises complex questions about election law and representation.
Additionally, in late 2025, Howe made headlines by rejecting a petition for a special election in North Dakota House District 42 due to procedural issues with signatures. This ruling sparked debate within some local political circles about voter access and procedural thresholds.
Such episodes underscore the inherently contested nature of election oversight — a field where administrative discretion intersects closely with fundamental civic rights.
National Recognition and Influence
Michael Howe’s leadership has not been confined to North Dakota alone. In 2024, he was elected as Midwestern Region Vice‑President on the Executive Board of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).
NASS is the oldest nonpartisan professional organization for public officials in similar roles across the United States. In that capacity, Howe influences election policy, business services standards, and cross-state collaboration efforts. His peers entrusted him with this role, reflecting their confidence in his leadership and vision.
This national role affords him visibility far beyond North Dakota’s borders, shaping policies, sharing best practices, and representing his region’s interests at the national level.
Personal Life and Legacy
Michael Howe’s personal life mirrors his professional identity: rooted in family, community, and service. He is married to his wife Katie Ralston Howe, a former Miss North Dakota and former workforce development director under Governor Doug Burgum’s administration.
The couple shares a strong commitment to their state and its people, and they enjoy rural life with their black lab, Cannon.
Beyond politics, Howe continues to manage the family farm alongside his father, balancing the demands of public office with the realities of agricultural life – a testament to his connection to the land and the community that shaped him.
Re-Election Efforts and Future Prospects
As of early 2026, Howe is preparing for re‑election as Secretary of State. According to projections tied to the 2026 United States secretary of state elections, he is running again for the position, seeking to extend his tenure beyond 2026.
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