Personal Statement

March 1, 2026

I knew my day yesterday would be starting early. What I didn’t know was the news I’d be waking up to. I had been invited to talk with folks in the northwest corner of the state, and now the tone of those conversations would reflect what had happened overnight.

I served our country for over 20 years in the Navy and Marine Corps, including a combat tour as an infantry officer in Iraq in 2003. It was a great privilege to lead Marines in peace and war. I have seen the cost of war up close and don’t take lightly any decision to send our sons and daughters in harm’s way.

Twenty years ago, Americans were told Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. That lie cost 4,500 of my fellow American servicemen their lives. It destabilized an entire region, leading to forever wars that cost U.S. taxpayers trillions of dollars. I fear we are making the same mistake again.

Eight months ago, Americans were told Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “obliterated.” Now, Americans are being told that Iran was weeks away from having a nuclear weapon. Both of those statements cannot be true.

We know millions in munitions have already been spent. As of now, the only results we are assured of are death and destruction.

I have seen what those words mean in real life. I have pulled bodies from the Tigris River. I have watched young Americans carry the burden of decisions made by politicians who will never wear the uniform.

Our strength has always been in our alliances and in being seen around the world as a reliable ally and defense partner. Strength is not recklessness. Strength is honoring the Constitution and demanding accountability before we commit blood and treasure.

Yesterday I met with concerned citizens both in Williston and Wildrose. They are worried about what the future holds, especially now.

My opponent, Julie Fedorchak, is not only sticking by the president, she released a statement praising the bombing of Iran—an action that should require congressional authorization.

We need a Congress with the courage to either authorize or deny use of military force, not one that remains silent and allows somebody else to make all of the decisions. Career politicians in Washington should be forced to vote on the record if they support these actions. No more hiding behind statements. No more ducking responsibility.

I am running for Congress, because I believe we can be strong without being reckless. We can support our troops without sending them into historically unpredictable regime change and protracted wars in the middle east. Now, more than ever, we need a Representative in Congress who understands the costs—the costs of the foreign and domestic policies Julie Fedorchak has endorsed.

Sending our sons and daughters to war is not metaphorical to me. All three of my children are either on active duty or married to someone who is on active duty. The moment demands leadership.

Trygve Hammer,

Candidate for U.S. House