Meet Lynnell

Lynnell is a lifelong resident of the northern valley who has dedicated her career to public service, education, and strengthening communities across the region. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a Master’s degree in Sociology from University of North Dakota.

Over the course of her career, Lynnell has spent 10 years working in higher education throughout the Midwest, 10 years in nonprofit administration, and another 10 years serving in county and state government. Her professional experience has included work in education, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and public service, giving her a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing working families and rural communities.

Lynnell currently works for the Minnesota Department of Transportation in the Office of Transit and Active Transportation, where she serves as a program manager and planner focused on improving transportation systems and community connectivity.

At home, Lynnell shares her farm with her husband, their dog Katie, and a lively clowder of cats. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and son-in-law in St. Louis and feels fortunate to have her mother living nearby. Together they stay busy painting, gardening, and finding time for a few mischievous adventures along the way.

Legislative Priorities

Lynnell is running for the North Dakota House of Representatives in District 19 because she believes in protecting democracy, strengthening rural communities, and building a future where families of every generation can thrive. As a lifelong resident of the Northern Valley, she sees both the challenges facing the region and the opportunities ahead. She believes the future of North Dakota depends on practical leadership rooted in compassion, community, and respect for working people.

Lynnell is deeply committed to social justice, public service, and preserving the democratic values that bring communities together. She believes public education is one of the foundations of a strong society and is concerned about growing threats to academic freedom, teacher autonomy, and the freedom to read and learn openly. She believes public dollars belong in public schools and supports fully funding school meals so that every child has access to nutritious food and a safe place to learn and grow.

She also believes agriculture remains the backbone of the Northern Valley and supports policies that help keep farms in family hands and families on the farm. Strong agricultural communities support local schools, healthcare systems, small businesses, and local governments. Lynnell supports investments in rural infrastructure, including roads and bridges, along with expanding access to markets and resources for farmers and ranchers.

Lynnell believes North Dakota can do more to support working families. While agriculture and energy drive the state’s economy, many residents still struggle with the rising costs of housing, childcare, healthcare, and nutritious food. She believes communities deserve policies that create economic opportunity, strengthen wages, and improve quality of life across the region.

Access to healthcare is another major priority. Lynnell believes every resident deserves access to quality healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare, close to home. She supports efforts to preserve rural hospitals, senior living facilities, emergency medical services, and volunteer fire departments that are essential to rural communities.

She also believes the future of the Valley depends on welcoming and supporting a strong, diverse workforce. Creating thriving communities means ensuring people feel valued, included, and connected, while providing opportunities for young people to pursue education and careers that allow them to build their futures close to home.

Lynnell is running because she believes District 19 deserves thoughtful, down-to-earth leadership focused on solving real problems rather than fueling division. She is committed to listening to constituents, working collaboratively, and helping build a stronger future for North Dakota families and communities.

District 19 Information

North Dakota Legislative District 19 is a rural district in the northeastern part of the state along the Canadian border. It includes all of Pembina County and parts of Walsh County and Cavalier County, with communities such as Grafton, Park River, Cavalier, Drayton, and Walhalla. Home to about 17,000 residents, the district is rooted in agriculture and small-town values, with strong, close-knit communities. Like many rural areas, it faces challenges including access to affordable healthcare, workforce shortages, housing, and maintaining essential infrastructure – issues that are central to the future of District 19.

Team District 19

Jefferey Hermanson – Candidate for ND Senate

Jolene Hermanson – Candidate for ND House

Lynnell Popowski – Candidate for ND House

Endorsements

Endorsements from organizations and community leaders will be announced as our campaign continues to build – stay tuned!

Contact

Lynnell Popowski Campaign
Warsaw, ND

ljspopowski@gmail.com

(701) 520-4960

Send us a message!