Michael Howe was elected North Dakota’s 15th Secretary of State in 2022. Since taking office, he has focused on preserving and protecting the integrity of the state’s elections while making North Dakota the easiest place in the nation to start and grow a business. In 2023 and 2024, Forbes Advisor named North Dakota the best state to start a business, citing low LLC formation fees, a welcoming business climate, high business survival rates, and accessible government services.

 

As Secretary of State, Howe serves on the Board of University and School Lands, the Emergency Commission, the State Historical Board, the State Canvassing Board, and the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award Board. He also represents North Dakota nationally through his involvement with the National Association of Secretaries of State, where he serves as Midwestern Region Vice President on the Executive Board.

​

Prior to becoming Secretary of State, Howe was a fifth-generation family farmer from Casselton. Working alongside his father, Jim, as managing partner of Howe Seed Farms, he navigated the ups and downs of the agricultural economy by applying a conservative, disciplined approach to business.

 

Howe also served six years as a state representative for District 22 in rural Cass County, where he fought to protect North Dakotans from government overreach and reduce unnecessary regulations. In 2021, he stood up for small businesses by spearheading legislation to protect them from frivolous lawsuits related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

​

Michael and his wife, Katie, are proud parents to their son, James.