North Dakota lawmaker, Republican state Rep. Randy Schobinger, who became the state’s youngest senator at 24, has passed away at the age of 54 after receiving cancer treatment for about a year. Schobinger, from Minot, had been battling esophageal cancer since August, as reported by the Minot Daily News. Known for his humble campaign style, Schobinger famously drove a 1972 Toyota which he bought for $100, featuring “Vote Schobinger” stenciled on it during his successful election campaign. He held the state senator position from 1994 to 2006 and had previously run for state treasurer in 1996 and 2000, before being surpassed by Nick Hacker in 2004 as the youngest senator in North Dakota, winning at 22 years old.

In 2016, Schobinger was elected to the state House, where he served on the Appropriations Committee, responsible for budget decisions. Despite not seeking a third term this year, the district Republicans will appoint a successor to fulfill the remainder of his term until November, according to district GOP chairman Jay Lundeen. Lundeen remembered Schobinger as a dedicated community servant and a determined individual who put in a lot of effort to campaign for office. House Majority Leader Mike Lefor described Schobinger as a good man, hardworking, and an excellent debater.

The North Dakota Legislature meets every two years and is scheduled to convene in January 2025, without the presence of Randy Schobinger, who dedicated many years to public service and community work.