Meet Senator Jeff Barta

Grand Forks roots, North Dakota values, proven leadership for our community.

A Legacy of Business Leadership

Jeff Barta is not a career politician; he is a business leader who stepped up to serve. A lifelong North Dakotan originally from Michigan, ND, Jeff has called Grand Forks home since 1984.

With over 30 years of management experience, Jeff understands what it takes to balance a budget, lead a team, and navigate the real-world economic challenges that North Dakota families and employers face every day.

  • The Academic Edge: After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota, Jeff went on to earn an MBA from Troy University.

  • Building the Future: At the UND Center for Innovation, Jeff uses his 30+ years of business experience to support local startups and create high-paying jobs for the next generation of North Dakotans.

Rooted in Grand Forks

For Jeff, leadership is about more than policy—it’s about people. He and his wife, Lisa, have been active members of the Grand Forks community for over 40 years. Whether he’s cheering on the UND Fighting Hawks at the Ralph or volunteering with local organizations, Jeff’s commitment to our city is personal.

  • Community Service: Jeff has dedicated years to local causes, including serving as a past volunteer for Special Olympics of North Dakota, past Board President for St. Joseph’s Social Care, past Board Member of GF/EGF Chamber of Commerce and currently as board member with HIA Health (formerly Hospice of the Red River Valley).

  • Family First: Jeff and Lisa are proud to have raised their daughter here in Grand Forks, instilling in her the conservative principles that make North Dakota the best place to live, work and play.

Our Values: A Vision for North Dakota

Jeff’s work in the Senate is guided by three core principles:

  1. Common-Sense Government: Practical solutions that work for everyday North Dakotans, moving past partisan rhetoric to get things done.

  2. Fiscal Responsibility: As a business leader, Jeff knows that every state dollar belongs to the taxpayer. He is committed to balanced budgets and meaningful tax relief.

  3. Economic Opportunity: Supporting local employers and cutting red tape to ensure Grand Forks remains a premier place to live, work, and grow a business.

Leadership at a Glance

Education

  • BS, University of North Dakota

  • MBA, Troy University

Senate Leadership

  • Chairman, Industry & Business Committee

  • State and Local Government

  • Interim Committees: Government Finance, Education

State Committees & Councils

  • ND Lottery Advisory Commission

  • Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigent

  • National Conference of Insurance Legislators

  • High-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Council

Recognition & Roots

  • 2023 Chamber Champion Award

  • 2025 Life Protector Award

Contact

Connect with Jeff on social media.

Email

Phone

jeff@voteforbarta.com

701-787-1188

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Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jeff Barta.