Jon O. Nelson is a Republican member of the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 14 since 1997. A retired farmer from Rugby, North Dakota, he has served continuously in the legislature, previously representing District 7 and earlier terms in District 14 . He is married to Shirley "Sid" Nelson and has three children. Nelson has held community roles including Rugby City Council, Board of All Seasons Water Users, Board of International Peace Gardens, and Board of Consensus Council.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Montana State University and Dakota College at Bottineau.
• Political Experience: Elected to the North Dakota House in 1996; incumbent as of 2025, with his current term extending until at least December 1, 2028. Notable voting record includes support for lifetime teaching licensure, special education studies, and opposition to private school vouchers, book bans, and parental rights legislation .