Pomeroy, Dobervich, Christiansen, Hass to receive awards at Dem-NPL Burdick Dinner Oct 10 in Fargo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 16, 2026

Former U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy, State Representative Gretchen Dobervich, District 12 Democratic-NPL Chair Katrina Christiansen, and Carter Hass will be recognized for their achievements and dedication to growing a better North Dakota.Tickets are available now!

Former U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy will receive the Art and Grace Link Lifetime Achievement Award. Pomeroy served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2011. He also served in the North Dakota House of Representatives and as North Dakota Insurance Commissioner. Pomeroy was a key vote for the Affordable Care Act, which prevents people with preexisting conditions from being charged higher premiums, phased out the Medicare “donut hole,” and expanded health care coverage to millions of Americans who were previously uninsured.

Rep. Gretchen Dobervich (D-Fargo) will receive the Hometown Hero Award. Dobervich has served in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2016. She has championed all things public health during her tenure, sponsoring bills to expand behavioral health services, strengthen maternal health, and repeal an outdated and discriminatory HIV law.

Katrina Christiansen will receive the Spirit of the NPL award. Christiansen is an engineering professor who has worked as an agricultural engineer with multiple patents to her name. Christiansen is an ardent advocate for rural North Dakota. Christiansen ran for U.S. Senate in 2022 and 2024, and she currently serves as the Chair for the District 12 Democratic-NPL.

Carter Hass is a student at Concordia College and a recent graduate of Valley City High School. Hass is a passionate advocate for youth civic engagement and leads by example every day using social media to educate the public on issues North Dakotans face.

Earlier this month the North Dakota Democratic-NPL announced U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana will be the keynote speaker at the 16th Annual Burdick Dinner on October 10, 2026, in Fargo.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Senator Tester has a long history of standing up for rural America. As a third-generation farmer and former school teacher, Senator Tester is more than familiar with the issues facing us in North Dakota today. We’re thrilled he’ll be joining us.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com