Kay LaCoe First Countywide Candidate to File Petitions for Burleigh County Commission
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2026
For more information:
Kay LaCoe
701.409.0278
Bismarck, ND — Kay LaCoe has officially submitted her petitions to the Burleigh County Auditor’s Office, filing to be placed on the 2026 ballot for Burleigh County Commission. With the submission of her signatures and candidacy forms, LaCoe becomes the first countywide candidate to formally file for the upcoming election cycle.
“Since graduating from the Bismarck-Mandan Leadership Program in 2011, I set my goal to serve on the Burleigh County Commission,” said LaCoe. “I’ve spent years paying attention to county government and its citizens, and I believe it is important to step forward early and clearly about my intentions.”
LaCoe noted several issues that have recently drawn significant public interest and discussion around the Commission table:
A potentially proposed ban on off-highway vehicle use in county ditches
Continued discussion surrounding the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District
Ongoing staffing concerns in key county leadership positions
Continued conversations related to the ETA
“These are not small issues, and they are not the only issues facing the county,” said LaCoe. “They affect property owners, families, taxpayers, and the long-term direction of Burleigh County. Decisions and conversations of this magnitude require clear planning, transparency, and strong public input.”
In the coming months, LaCoe plans to host a series of virtual town halls and in-person community visits throughout Bismarck and Burleigh County. The goal, she said, is to ensure voters have opportunities to ask questions, raise concerns, and engage directly.
LaCoe brings more than 20 years of experience in policy, public relations, communications, and organizational leadership. She has closely followed county policy discussions and governance trends for more than a decade and credits over twenty years of involvement in Burleigh County 4-H with shaping her early pride and commitment to the county she has called home her entire life.
During the February 17, 2026, meeting of the Burleigh County Commission, Commissioner Woodcox announced he will not seek re-election. In his remarks, he encouraged younger residents and women to consider stepping forward to serve.
“I take that kind of encouragement seriously,” LaCoe said. “Public service requires people willing to engage thoughtfully and do the work. I’m prepared to step into that responsibility.”
Additional details about upcoming town halls and campaign events will be announced in the coming weeks on the campaign website and social media.
Additional campaign information will be available at BurleighCountyKay.com.
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