MIKE
HEGER
District 33 House
District 33 deserves experienced, thoughtful leadership that understands the issues shaping North Dakota’s future. With more than 20 years’ experience and expertise in legislative outreach and policy, Mike Heger is ready to serve.
Mike’s Priorities
Mike believes District 33 and our state need leaders who understand the critical issues of energy and education—areas he has more than 25 years’ experience and expertise. He is running because we need the right strategic decisions in these areas or risk failing both our current obligations and future opportunities.
Responsible Energy Development
North Dakota’s energy industry is foundational to our economy and communities. With decades of experience in mining and energy leadership, Mike understands the complexities of energy policy and the importance of balancing development with respect for landowners and local communities.
He supports responsible development of North Dakota’s natural resources, including coal, oil and natural gas opportunities that can expand other industries and strengthen our state’s economic future.
Strong Rural Schools
Mike has firsthand experience in education leadership, having served 13 years on the Underwood School Board, including nine years as president. He understands the challenges facing rural schools — enrollment shifts, funding pressures, and staffing shortages.
He will work to ensure rural schools remain strong, attractive to families, and capable of delivering high-quality education to every student.
Strengthening Rural Communities
Healthy communities depend on strong local businesses, essential services, and workforce availability. Mike will work to address workforce shortages. further reduce property taxes and ensure policies encourage families to live, work, and build their futures in rural North Dakota.
Supporting Agriculture
Agriculture remains central to District 33 and North Dakota. Mike supports policies that promote the use of North Dakota agricultural products both in-state and beyond, ensuring farmers and producers continue to thrive.
Leadership with Experience
Mike is a respected business and community leader who believes decisions should be made at the lowest appropriate level, empowering people closest to the issue. When responsibility rests with him, he seeks input, listens carefully, and takes full ownership of the outcome. His commitment to service and practical problem-solving led him to getting deeply involved in the community and various business and trade organizations, including:
- Greater North Dakota Chamber Board
- Lignite Energy Council Board
- Lignite Research Council Board
- Bismarck State College Foundation Board
- Underwood School Board (including service as president)
- Underwood Comet Club (president and treasurer roles)
- St. Bonaventure Parish Council
- Junior High and High School CCD teacher for 27 years
Meet Mike
Mike Heger is a lifelong North Dakotan, engineer, energy executive, and community leader running to represent District 33 in the North Dakota House of Representatives.
Raised on a family farm southwest of Underwood near Coal Creek Station, Mike grew up in the heart of North Dakota’s agriculture and energy industries. Those early experiences shaped his understanding of the industries that power our state and sustain our rural communities.
A graduate of North Dakota State University with a degree in civil engineering, Mike has spent nearly 30 years in the mining and energy industry. Today, he serves as President of BNI Energy and BNI Coal, where he has worked across engineering, production, maintenance, safety, purchasing, and executive leadership.
Mike and his wife, Talesa, who grew up in Turtle Lake, have been married nearly 30 years. Talesa is a licensed mental health counselor and owner of Journey Mental Health in Underwood. Together they have five children and two grandchildren. After spending time in Texas and Mississippi early in their careers, they returned home to Underwood in 2006 to raise their family and serve their community.
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