Pederson4PSC - Dem-NPL Party Democrats

Meet John

Professor of History and Economics at Mayville State University. I joined the faculty in 1998. During my tenure I have been President of the North Dakota Council of College Faculties, served as the Faculty Advisor to the State Board of Higher Education for two years, was the President of the North Dakota General Education Council, and served six years as the president of the MSU Faculty Association. I also served six years on the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), its board of directors, after serving six years on the ELCA’s Eastern North Dakota Synod Council.

I grew up in small town North Dakota. Most of my childhood was in Hope, where my father was a pastor and my mother a teacher. My senior year my family moved to Walcott and I graduated from Kindred High School. After earning my doctorate, I returned to North Dakota, accepting a position at Mayville State University. I have lived in Mayville the past twenty-six years. I am married and my wife, Julie, and I have two children who are entering twelfth and ninth grade this fall.

My economics background relates directly to the Public Service Commission’s work. Rate cases, cost-of-service analysis, capital allocation, and the economics of regulated monopolies are the daily substance of commission decisions. I will evaluate utility filings critically rather than defer to them. My historical training provides an awareness of monopoly behavior and how institutions over time may become captured by the corporations they are meant to regulate.

Campaign Pillars

Ratepayers First

The Public Service Commission is supposed to protect consumers, the public interest, and the environment. Too often, it has prioritized the industries it regulates instead. John believes North Dakota families, farmers, and small businesses deserve a commissioner who will put ratepayers first, ask tough questions, and make decisions independently of political and corporate influence.

Local Control

North Dakota landowners deserve a real voice in decisions that affect their property and communities. John believes local governments, townships, and affected residents should be engaged early and meaningfully before major energy and infrastructure projects move forward. Respect for private property rights and local input is a North Dakota value.

Pro-Energy, Done Right

North Dakota’s energy economy powers our communities, creates good-paying jobs, and drives economic growth. John supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes coal, oil, natural gas, wind, and emerging technologies. He believes energy development should be guided by long-term thinking that keeps rates affordable, protects grid reliability, and leaves future generations with a system they can be proud of.

Responsible Decommissioning

Companies that profit from North Dakota’s resources should also be responsible for what they leave behind. John supports strong decommissioning requirements and long-term planning to ensure taxpayers and local communities are not left paying the cost after projects are finished. Stewardship means planning not just for today, but for the generations that follow.