​Educator
Arts Advocate
community leader
non-profit founder
professional musician

Why Am I Running for ND House?

I am running for North Dakota House from District 7 because I believe that we can work together to build a better community for everyone.  A better community is one where: 

- Affordable housing is available to people on low and fixed income. Where rents, mortgages, and property taxes are stable and predictable.  The cost of heat and energy are consistent and affordable.  

- Our public schools receive their full funding, educators are supported and paid an appropriate wage, and our children are healthy, safe, and provided healthy meals at school.

- Mental Healthcare is accessible and affordable to everyone in the community and Suicide Prevention programs are fully funded for the long-term to help our community be healthy and safe.
 
I promise that as a candidate and when I am elected to legislature that I will uphold the values of Honesty, Integrity, and Service.  So that you can trust that I will represent you and our community when opposing, advocating and voting for legislation.

WHO IS Jason Thoms?

I am 51 years old. I am the father of three adult children, Wilyem, Alekz, and Izaak. I am a widower whose wife died by suicide in 2020 after a life-long battle with depression. I have two siblings, Sonja and Jonas (yes all three of us have the same five letters in our names), and my parents Hollis and Jacki live in Maryland.

I am a fifth-generation professional musician. I have a master’s and doctorate in choral conducting from Michigan State University and bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Saint Olaf College. I have worked primarily for non-profit and religious organizations including churches, community choirs, and arts organizations. I taught high school for two years in Glendale, CA and taught music at the collegiate level for nearly 20 years in Mississippi, Arkansas, New York, and North Dakota.
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During the winter months, I am addicted to the sport of curling and have been playing it since the fall of 2019. I have served as a board member of the Capital Curling Club for the past 5 years, and currently serve as the President of the Board.  During the summer, I can frequently be found at one of our Bismarck golf courses.

I am a Christian and a member of St. George’s Episcopal Memorial Church in Bismarck, ND. I have been serving on the Standing Committee (similar to a Board of Trustees) of the Episcopal Church of North Dakota for the past 5 years and am currently serving as its President. I have worked as a Music Director of churches for throughout my career and currently serve as the Director of Worship and Music at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck.
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I am an Arts advocate and am the Executive Director of the Dakota West Arts Council.  I am also the founder and artistic director of Dakota Pro Musica, North Dakota's professional choral ensemble, and a music and performing arts nonprofit organization in Bismarck. I am a professional soloist and chorister, and have been a part of three Grammy-Nominated recordings in the Best Choral Performance category in the past 6 years.

I believe that our community can be a welcoming and attractive place for everyone and I am running for ND House in 2026 because I know I can help make a difference in the lives of the people of District 7, Bismarck, and North Dakota.
​***We need a change***

​Please consider supporting my campaign for a better future.

This website is paid for by the Campaign Fund for Jason Thoms

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