Bismarck, ND — Dale Pittman, a Bismarck resident of 16 years and retired law enforcement officer, has been endorsed by the North Dakota Democratic-NPL for state Senate in District 35.
“I never aspired to enter politics,” Pittman said. “However, after seeing what has happened in our country over the past year, I felt compelled to step forward and do my part.”
Pittman, who retired in 2024 after 44 years in law enforcement, brings a background in strategic planning, leadership and direct experience with the North Dakota legislative process. He served as a patrol officer, detective, supervisor and chief of police before concluding his career as director of the North Dakota Insurance Fraud Division. In 2021, he authored House Bill 1092 to strengthen the division’s ability to hold insurance fraudsters accountable.
“Through my roles in law enforcement over the past 44 years,” Pittman said. “I developed strong leadership skills, experience in strategic planning, and a working knowledge of the North Dakota legislative process. I have always been a strong advocate for the profession of law enforcement, while also firmly supporting the civil liberties of every individual.”
Pittman said his motivation to run is rooted in concern for the country’s democratic institutions. “I cannot stand by and watch this happen. I must do my part,” he said. “Not for money, not for fame, not for ego — but for love of my country and love of the citizens I have served all my adult life.”
Pittman said his governing philosophy is straightforward. “At the end of the day, I believe most people want the same things: to be safe, to be prosperous, and to be left alone to live their lives,” he said. “My approach has always been simple: listen carefully, ask the right questions, and reserve judgment until all the facts are known.”
A graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice, Pittman also completed the Administrative Officers course at the Southern Police Institute. He began his career with 10 years as a patrol officer with the Anchorage Police Department, followed by a year with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Dublin, Calif. He then served 19 years with the University of Alaska Anchorage Police Department, including 8 years as chief of police, before retiring in 2009.
After relocating to North Dakota, Pittman spent 14 years as a criminal investigator with the state Insurance Fraud Division, the last four as its director, retiring in 2024. He is currently an adjunct instructor in criminal justice at Bismarck State College and owns Bis-Man Sharpening, a small business serving the Bismarck-Mandan area.
Outside his professional career, Pittman has volunteered as a kitten foster parent with the Central Dakota Humane Society and with Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue.
Pittman and his wife, Angela, have three grown children and six grandchildren. Their youngest child is studying forensic science at the University of North Dakota.