Sinner Elected to Senate Fifty Years After Father - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

It's not unusual for children to follow in their parents footsteps by taking over the family farm or business.

But in the political arena, voters control your aspirations.

Donnell Preskey has the story of one North Dakota Senator who now sits in the same chamber his dad was elected to 50 years ago.

"Election night was the 50th anniversary to my dad being elected to the ND Senate. He was elected in 1962 and I was in 2012," says North Dakota democratic senator George Sinner of Fargo.

Senator Sinner was a boy when his dad Governor George Sinner was first elected to the North Dakota Senate.

He also witnessed his dad's unsuccessful run for Congress and later helped him campaign for Governor.

"My parents are extremely proud that someone in our family is doing this work," says Sinner.

The father and son have compared their first sessions. While 50 years apart, there are some similarities.

When my dad first served there were 6 democratic senators in 1963.

Today, there are 13 democratic senators out of the 47.

What's different is the state's financial situation.

"I know that you are often asked as I am asked, why you have come here to struggle with the problems of our state," said then governor George Sinner.

Difficult economic times in the 80's resulted in Sinner pushing for tax increases.

Now his son plays a role in passing historical tax cuts.

"I want to see sensible tax reform, the majority party is pushing some agendas that I don't think reflect the values of North Dakota," says senator Sinner.

Sinner is not riding his dad's coattail or following his dad's dream... He says this is his dream.

He was a legislative intern in the 70's and he says he knew then he wanted to return.

"This is something I've dreamed about my whole life is serving in the legislature and I'm doing it," says Sinner.

On top of living out his dream, Senator Sinner serves with one of his best friends.

Senator Phil Murphy sits next to him, the guys have been friends since they were seven years old.