Duane Sand believes that the winds of change are blowing through North Dakota. With healthcare costs, fuel prices, and the national debt all on the rise, and effective leadership in Washington at an all time low, North Dakotans are ready to see a new face on our state’s Congressional delegation. Duane brings a vigorous new voice to the table, with a proud North Dakota heritage, and a proven record of getting things done. And now, with the voices of hard working North Dakotans behind him, Duane is ready to deliver the fresh start that North Dakotans are looking for.

Born on May 8, 1965, Duane grew up on small farms in North Dakota. He learned at a young age about the importance of integrity and service. After graduating from high school, Duane enlisted in the United States Navy, and went on to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Upon his graduation in 1990, Duane earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, a Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering, and a certification as Nuclear Engineer from the U.S. Department of Energy. He went on to serve on three different nuclear submarines, earning the rank of Navy Commander. Now a Reservist, Duane serves as Commander of Submarine Group Ten out of Kings Bay Georgia. Along the way, Duane met the woman who would become the love of his life and his most dedicated supporter. Duane married Holly on April 9, 1994.

Upon his discharge in 1999, Duane returned home to North Dakota, still eager to serve. He sought and won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate and took the state by storm with a positive message of hope and a new direction. Although ultimately unsuccessful in his race for the Senate, Duane received the second highest percentage in the nation against an incumbent Senator in the 2000 election.

After 9/11, Duane was recalled into the Navy to defend his country in the new War on Terror. Duane returned to life on a submarine, and continued his tour of duty on a special assignment at the Pentagon. Upon completion of his tour, Duane returned home to North Dakota, where he was called upon once again to represent change for North Dakotans as a candidate for U.S. Congress. Duane was successful in bringing his message of fiscal responsibility to the forefront of the debate, and though Duane lost in the general election, he won the support and admiration of many North Dakotans with his vision for our state.

As America’s involvement in Iraq deepened, Duane was again called upon to serve his country, this time on the front lines of the War on Terror. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf where he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was in the dedication and sacrifice of his fellow service men and women that Duane saw the best of what America has to offer.

Back home in Bismarck with Holly and their two children, Allen and Hannah, Duane was appointed State Director of Americans for Prosperity for North and South Dakota where he headed up a ballot initiative to cut taxes for North Dakotans. Now as a candidate for United States Congress, Duane is traveling the state, talking to North Dakotans about the issues affecting them. The people of North Dakota are speaking with one voice: We need new leadership in Washington to put Congress back to work for the people. With the voices of working North Dakotans behind him, and with the support of his family, Duane is ready to answer the call to service one more time.