REPRESENTATIVE EMILY O’BRIEN

DISTRICT 42 HOUSE

Hi, I’m Emily!

About me

I have been a proud resident of Grand Forks for almost 15 years, and I graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Entrepreneurship. I grew up in Lakeville, MN, where my family instilled the values of hard work, grit, and integrity. Those lessons proved invaluable as I will always do my best to finish the job and 'leave it better than I found it.' 

In 2016, I was elected to represent District 42, part of the Grand Forks community, in the Legislature. Since then, I have been a bipartisan advocate for continuing to work toward solutions rather than seeking only party endorsements.

Professionally, I serve as the Chief Operating Officer for the Bioscience Association of North Dakota. I have always had an itch for creating an entrepreneurial culture! I will always be passionate about fostering economic opportunities, nurturing growth, and championing expanding the boundaries of opportunities in North Dakota. 

My most rewarding job is being a mother! As you age, you have a different perspective on the importance of family. Family is everything to me, and I am committed to ensuring our children have the best opportunities for success. The future of our communities lies in their hands. 

community Leadership Experience

I have the privilege to be a part of a few different teams in our Grand Forks Community. Being actively involved in our community is essential to me! I serve on the Board of Directors for The Chamber - Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, North Dakota's Women's Business Center, and the L.I.S.T.E.N. Center. Additionally, I serve as a Commissioner for the Grand Forks Human Service Zone. My service and involvement on these boards allow me to bring my skills to the table while fostering an environment to learn more about these organizations' vital roles in our community. 

Legislative leadership experience

I have proudly served in the North Dakota House of Representatives since I was elected in November 2016 and took the Oath of Office in December 2016. I served on the Industry Business & Labor Committee and Transportation Committee in my first session. You could find me diligently typing away, taking notes on all our bills in front of our committees.

In the past, leadership has appointed me to serve on several other interim and special session committees, including Commerce, Acute Psychiatry, and Joint Technical Corrections.

Below, you can find a list of the committees I currently serve on: 

Interim Committees
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee (Chairman)
Budget Section
Budget Section - Human Resources Division
Government Finance Committee
Health Care Committee
Health Services Committee
Legislative Management
Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee

Standing Committees
Appropriations
Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Procedural Committees
Committees
Rules

North Dakota Statutory Committees
Higher Education Grant Review Committee
National Conference of Insurance Legislators
North Dakota Lottery Advisory Commission
Workforce Development Council - Appointed by Governor Doug Burgum

  • Childcare for working Families

    I sponsored a childcare relief package bill that helps low-income, working families get the support they need, it also ensures our childcare providers have the tools and training to keep our kids safe at any age. Lastly, the bill introduced a pilot program encouraging private employers to help their employees with childcare costs; all making life a little easier for working parents in our communities.

  • Behavioral Health Advocate

    Mental health and substance abuse are challenges impacting many families, and it’s time we take action. I am dedicated to creating effective behavioral health programs, increasing access to mental health care, and supporting initiatives that offer early intervention and long-term support.

  • Investing in our workforce

    Investing in our workforce is investing in YOU. It is essential in strengthening our economy and ensuring long-term growth. I am committed to supplying our workers with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, creating better jobs, and attracting new businesses, so that our Grand Forks community continues to thrive.

  • Supporting our Heroes

    I have committed my full support to law enforcement and the military because they put their lives on the line to protect us. It’s important to make sure they feel supported with the resources they need to keep our communities and country safe. We owe it to them to stand by those who serve.

Here's how emily's peers would describe her:

  • Emily O’Brien is someone who genuinely cares about her community and the people in it. she isn’t interested in political games or pushing agendas; She listens and takes action. I’ve honestly never met anyone more hard working and passionate about serving the people of north dakota.

    SADIE HANSON, REPUBLICAN DISTRICT 42 CHAIR

  • Emily O’Brien is a dedicated and innovative professional, consistently delivering exceptional results in every project she undertakes. Her ability to lead teams with empathy and clarity sets her apart as a remarkable leader. Emily’s unwavering commitment to excellence makes her an invaluable asset to any organization.

    CINDY HUNTER-KAML, CHILD CARE PROVIDER IN GRAND FORKS

  • Emily is a tremendous advocate for Grand Forks and is the right person to help lead our state in the years ahead.

    JACOB STRINDEN, FORMER REPUBLICAN DISTRICT 41 CHAIR, FARGO

  • Representative O’Brien has served our community and state well. She has taken on issues that impact college students, families with young children, the aging population, business owners, farmers and many other industries. She understands budgets, policies and how to work with people of all beliefs in order to get good, solid legislation passed. We have been blessed to have her serving District 42 in Grand Forks; let’s help send her back to Bismarck to continue her serve!!

    CARMA HANSON, GRAND FORKS REPUBLICAN WOMEN BOARD MEMBER & FORMER NDGOP SECOND VICE CHAIR

  • Rep O’Brien is one of the most hard-working, tenacious, informed legislators with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working.

    MICHELLE KOMMER, FORMER ND LABOR COMMISSIONER, FORMER ND COMMERCE COMMISSIONER

  • It is with deep respect and admiration I endorse Emily O’Brien as Representative of District 42. Emily has consistently represented conservative values with effective problem solving legislation and changes to legislation. Especially now with term limits impacting the ND Legislature, it is critical we return experienced legislators such as Emily to the House!

    PAUL D. KOLSTOE, DISTRICT 42 RESIDENT, GRAND FORKS

  • I AM PROUD TO ENDORSE EMILY O'BRIEN FOR HER UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF NORTH DAKOTA. EMILY EMBODIES A RELENTLESS WORK ETHIC, BALANCING THE DEMANDS OF BEING A DEDICATED WORKING MOM WHILE REMAINING DEEPL INVOLVED IN HER COMMUNITY. HER PASSION FOR CREATING COMMON-SENSE SOLUTIONS IS EXACTLY WHAT NORTH DAKOTA NEEDS - SOMEONE WHO LISTENS TO THE REAL CONCERNS OF HER CONSTITUENTS AND TAKES ACTION. EMILY UNDERSTANDS THE VALUES AND PRIORITIES OF HARD-WORKING FAMILIES, AND HER FOCUS ON PRACTICAL, RESULTS-DRIVEN POLICIES MAKES HER THE RIGHT CHOICE TO LEAD. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT EMILY O'BRIEN WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TIRELESSLY FOR A BETTER FUTURE FOR NORTH DAKOTA.

    REPRESENTATIVE BRANDY PYLE, DISTRICT 22, CASSELTON

  • Representative Emily O’Brien has worked tirelessly to represent her constituents and is a prime example of a stellar public servant, I am proud to support her for re-election to the North Dakota House of Representatives!

    REPRESENTATIVE MIKE LEFOR, MAJORITY LEADER, DISTRICT 37, DICKINSON

  • I have known Rep O'Brien for about 1/3 of her life (10 + years) as student, advisor and friend. I endorse her for District 42. Emily possesse team building skills, leadership, and has a 'get things done attitude'. I have been in groups she have lead and been apart of teams with her, and I really appreciate how hard she works to do what is best for people of District 42 and North Dakota.

    TOMMY KENVILLE, DISTRICT 42 RESIDENT, GRAND FORKS

  • I am proud to endorse Emily O’Brien for North Dakota’s State Legislature. Emily has consistently demonstrated her dedication to serving the people of North Dakota with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to the community. Her leadership experience, paired with a profound understanding of the challenges facing our state, makes her the ideal candidate to represent us. Emily’s approachable and transparent leadership style sets her apart. She listens to her constituents, values diverse perspectives, and is driven by a desire to create positive change. With a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to the people of North Dakota, she is prepared to advocate for policies that will lead to sustainable growth and opportunity for all. I have no doubt that Emily O’Brien will serve with passion and dedication as a state representative, and I wholeheartedly support her candidacy. Vote for Emily O’Brien to ensure a bright future for North Dakota!

    TRAVIS FRETHEIM

  • As a Conservative Republican I whole heartedly endorse Emily O'Brien, she is a Conservative Republican that can work with the other side to get things done for North Dakota. if you support North Dakota, then you need to support Emily O'Brien.

    DAVID WILLPRECHT, FOUNDER OF FACEBOOK GROUP 'NORTH DAKOTA MY HOME'

  • LET'S RE-ELECT EMILY O'BRIEN FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES!

    REPRESENTATIVE MICHELLE STRINDEN, DISTRICT 41, FARGO & LT. GOVERNOR CANDIDATE

  • Colleagues from both parties appreciate Representative O’Brien’s work ethic and ability to solve problems. Her preparation enables her to be an excellent advocate for our community.

    REPRESENTATIVE MARK SANFORD, DISTRICT 17, GRAND FORKS

  • I am honored to endorse Rep. Emily O'Brien as she seeks another term for the ND House of Representatives in District 42, Grand Forks. I can say with great confidence there is no one in the ND legislature that works harder than Emily. Her research on bills, bureaucrats and government business puts the rest of us legislators to sham. She does not settle for what's on paper. Rather, she digs deep to determine need, motive, and common sense on legislative bills. She wants to make sure every bill she supports will be good for her district, Grand Forks, and the people of North Dakota. Emily's dedication, integrity, and work ethic is on display each legislative day. I've seen it first-hand. She does not waver in her strong commitment to making positive change and lasting impact. She is an active listener and delivers results. I fully support Emily and would encourage people in her District to do the same on Nov. 5th.

    REPRESENTATIVE AUSTEN SCHAUER, DISTRICT 13, WEST FARGO

  • I AM PROUD TO ENDORSE REP. EMILY O'BRIEN FOR RE-ELECTION TO DISTRICT 42 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THERE IS NO ONE THAT DOES MORE THOROUGH WORK ON LEGISLATIVE MATTERS. EMILY HAS THE TENACITY TO GET THE JOB DONE!

    FORMER HOSUE MAJORITY LEADER/RETIRED REPRESENTATIVE CHET POLLERT, DISTRICT 29