FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 22, 2025
BISMARCK – Former North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Bruce Hagen died Thursday at 94. Hagen served on the PSC for 39 years.
Former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad said, “Bruce Hagen was my friend, my ally, and my political partner. We campaigned together all across North Dakota many times. We did it so often we could tell each other’s stories. Bruce loved political life and holding elective office, and he was good at it. Bruce held elected office longer than anyone in North Dakota history, and served as a Public Service Commissioner longer than anyone in U.S. history. He was committed to public service, and service is what it was all about to Bruce. He deeply believed in democracy, and that making it work is everyone’s responsibility. And he understood to make it work, the public had to see and feel that elected officials were working in the public interest. That meant really understanding what the public needed and wanted. That meant making tough decisions to get the job done. That meant taking on powerful special interests when they reached too far. Bruce Hagen will always be remembered as a good and thoughtful man who dedicated his life to making all of our lives better.”
Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp said, “Bruce was a steadfast presence in North Dakota, known for his integrity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his community. His legacy is reflected in the positive change he inspired during his service to our state. I’ll always remember Bruce for his warm and generous spirit.”
Former U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy remarked, “Bruce was very smart and demonstrated really sound judgment. He was a balanced individual and approached the job of PSC commissioner in the same way. He was an excellent representative for decades for the consumer. Hagen always made sure the interests of all North Dakotans were protected.”
Democratic-NPL Regional Representative and former Dem-NPL candidate Trygve Hammer remarked, “I’m deeply saddened to hear of Bruce Hagen’s passing. I first met Bruce while campaigning for the PSC in 2022. He was generous with his time, and it was clear from his years on the Public Service Commission that he always put the people of North Dakota first, without fanfare or expectation of receiving anything in return. He truly looked out for the community, and his work consistently embodied the highest traditions of public service. His dedication brought great credit not only to himself but also to his family, community, party, and state. Throughout the state, I have met many young North Dakotans who would love to serve in the same spirit as Bruce Hagen, and that gives me great hope for our future.”
State Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said, “Bruce, was rooted on the land of his birth, in spirit and physical reality. He brought the DEM and the NPL together!”
North Dakota DNC Committeeman Jamie Selzler said, “Bruce Hagen is a legendary figure in North Dakota history, and truly the epitome of what it means to be a public servant. For decades, he prioritized the needs of our state and people before his own, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Personally, I’ll remember him as one of the greatest cheerleaders in the Dem-NPL. If there was an event being held, he was there. If someone needed advice, he was there. And when our Party needed someone to step up and lead, he was always there.”
Former Democratic-NPL Party Chair Bob Valeu remarked, “As the longest-serving Public Service Commissioner, Bruce was keenly aware of the issues our landowners faced. He was the kind of independent decision-maker who you were always comfortable with in that position of power because you knew he was looking out for the interests of the state. Bruce was my good friend for nearly 60 years, and I will miss him dearly.”
Former Democratic-NPL Party Chair Kylie Oversen said, “Bruce was an incredible public servant, with a prolific record of hard work and dedication to the people of North Dakota. Much will be written about his time in public office, however, his service didn’t end there. Into his final years, he continued to advocate for changes and policies that would better serve our communities and residents. More than that, he was a strong supporter of up and coming candidates and leaders in the Dem-NPL. He generously offered advice and support to young people getting involved. I was fortunate to be a beneficiary of Bruce’s wisdom and friendship. He will be missed by so many in the Dem-NPL and beyond.”
Gary Holm, who worked in the Link administration wrote, “I’d known Bruce since the mid 60s. We campaigned together in ’94 when we were both running for state office. Bruce was humble and steadfastly dedicated to public service and the Dem-NPL. He will be most remembered for his long-time service to ND. He was also very thoughtful and a wonderful human being who actively promoted peace in the world.
Former State Senator Tom Seymour remarked, “Bruce Hagen had amazing longevity as a North Dakota PSC Commissioner and will go down in North Dakota History as a leading Dem-NPL public servant for all the people of North Dakota.”
