Dem-NPL Leaders, Lawmakers Mourn Passing of Dedicated Public Servant, Beloved Legislator, Liz Conmy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 28, 2026

FARGO – Representative Liz Conmy (D-Fargo) died in a plane accident. Conmy’s family has announced her Celebration of Life will be this Friday, May 1, from 4:30-7:30 at RiverHaven in Moorhead.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “As district chair in 2022, I was responsible for finding a candidate to run for an open seat. I told myself I would run unless I found someone better. I found someone better, our neighbor, our friend, unofficial auntie to my daughter, unofficial big sis and official running mate of my wife. We were so proud of all she did in the legislature, but in my heart she will always be the lady who knocked on our door in the middle of a mid-April snowstorm and asked if she could make a snowman with our daughter. Like so many people, we just loved Liz so much, that tiny lady with that huge heart.”

Gretchen Dobervich (D-Fargo) and fellow District 11 Representative, “North Dakota has lost one of its fiercest advocates and loudest cheerleader. Rep. Liz Conmy stood strong and spoke out for the people she served. She was tireless in her public service, forging collaborations and making new friends everywhere she went. Liz kept us smiling, laughing and never giving up. She led the hike up the 18 floors of the ND Capitol building everyday of Session, sometimes twice for the heck of it. Thank you for it all my friend! You are loved and will be missed.”

Anastassiya Andrianova, Candidate for District 11 House, said, “Representative Liz Conmy was a leader and a friend to all. She was my running mate, and I couldn’t wait to go to Bismarck with her. Liz was a mentor and a role model to me, my husband, and our daughter, Freya, whom she knew and adored from birth. Our next door neighbor, our dearest friend, I cannot find the words to express how deeply we love you and how much we will miss you. I will remember your grace, humor, kindness, and strength forever — may you continue smiling upon us.”

Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) Senator for District 11 said, “I really see Liz as having a zest for life. It’s fascinating, she had this experience all the way from growing up and operating a farm to being a college professor. She was well-rounded in her relationships with people, in her education, and as a lawmaker. We can honor Rep. Liz Conmy by engaging in positive things.”

District 11 Democratic-NPL Chair and Fargo Public School Board Member Greg Clark remarked, “When I first met Liz, before she was elected to the House of Representatives, she told me she wasn’t sure she wanted to be a legislator. I always had great respect for Liz because she was a reluctant leader, serving out of a sense of duty and a belief she could make a difference. You could always feel her presence in a room, even if you couldn’t see or hear her. Liz had a rare mixture of quiet competence, fierce intelligence, and genuine warmth. We should all aspire to lead like Liz.”

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, “I am completely devastated at the loss of our friend Liz. She lived life to its fullest, never shying from adventure or speaking her mind—often in refreshingly direct terms. As a lawmaker, she championed public education, the environment, and transparency. With a wicked sense of humor, Liz quickly made genuine friendships across the political spectrum. Truly no one in the House was better at making or taking a joke than Liz. She’s a prime example of how to take the work seriously without taking yourself too seriously. As a friend, I have a hole in my heart. As a citizen, I grieve the loss of an outstanding public servant. May her beautiful children, family, and friends find peace in these difficult times.”

Rep Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo) said, “I’m shocked and heartbroken by the tragic death of my colleague Rep. Liz Conmy. As a legislator for District 11, she had a gift for connecting with all types of people, for understanding both urban and rural issues, and for explaining complex issues in a compelling way. And she was a damn fun person. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.”

Representative Austin Foss (D-Fargo) remarked, “Liz was an incredible legislator. She had the energy and tenacity to fight for what she believed in, and the uncanny ability to get along with anyone, no matter what side you were on. I had the privilege to get to know her these past few years, and she made my first year in the legislature truly memorable. From serving with her on committee, climbing the capitol tower every day, and getting up to shenanigans, I’m so glad at the end of all of it I was able to call her a friend. She will be missed dearly.”

Representative Mary Schneider (D-Fargo) remarked, “The same traits that made Liz a great friend made her a great colleague and legislator: she was brilliant, brave, kind, fun, funny, and got along with everyone. Her smile was constant and infectious, putting those around her in a good mood, even on bad days. Liz fought for critical issues like women’s rights, voting issues, healthcare, and education without backing down or giving up. Even during hostile and heated times at the legislature, however, Liz was a model of civility, cooperation, collaboration, and compassion, moving comfortably across party lines. If there were more people like Liz, the world would be a better place. I am heartbroken she is gone.”

Representative Collette Brown (D-Warwick) remarked, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a great colleague, Liz Conmy. Liz was such a fun and vivacious woman who brought her bright energy and authenticity into every space she entered. She had a willingness to try anything once. A link in our chain is gone, and our caucus feels that loss deeply. This is a heartbreaking moment for the House and for all who knew her. Liz was liked by many and more importantly, truly loved. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those grieving this tremendous loss.”

Representative Jayme Davis (D-Rolette) said, “Needless to say I am in absolute shock at the tragic passing of my friend and colleague, Representative Liz Conmy, and her beloved friend Joe.
Liz was one of a kind. A powerhouse. A spitfire. She had the best sense of humor and lived life to the fullest. A woman full of strength, joy, courage, and heart. She showed up for people with purpose and conviction.My prayers are with all who loved Liz and Joe especially their families, children, friends, colleagues, and the communities they touched. Liz was truly one of the best. Her light and legacy will not be forgotten”

Representative LaurieBeth Hager (D-Fargo) said, “I am in utter shock as this is a painful loss for me and my legislative colleagues. Representative Conmy and I had served together for the past 4 years. She sat directly behind me in the chamber and alongside me on the Education Committee.
She brought a JOYFUL spirit to our caucus, every meeting, and the entire legislative chamber. Liz made me laugh regularly and often, which is much needed during session.

Liz and I were instant friends. We stayed in the same motel, and she brightened the day each morning at breakfast and throughout the day. I am flooded with memories —way too many to share. She and I just talked on Thursday, and of course, we laughed together. She was looking forward to another adventure with Joe. I am thankful for Liz’s friendship and will forever miss her. I extend my deepest sympathies to her 4 children, her grandchildren, and her legislative family and everyone else who was blessed to encounter Liz.”

Former Representative Hamida Dakane remarked, “I’m still in shock over the passing of Representative Liz Conmy. Just a few days ago I had a conversation with her, and I still have a message from her sitting in my inbox that I never got the chance to reply to. She was a voice of common sense and compassion, steady, thoughtful, and deeply grounded. I’ll always remember her sense of humor, especially in those moments when things on the house floor didn’t quite make sense and we’d share a look and a quiet laugh. North Dakota has truly lost one of the best among us- a voice of reason, balance, and decency. This is one of the hardest losses I’ve felt in a long time. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. North Dakota has lost one of the kindest people, and she will be deeply missed.”

Senator Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) remarked, “I am in complete shock at the news that my friend, Rep. Liz Conmy, died. Her spirit and energy sustained many of us during the long legislative days. She loved serving her south Fargo neighbors and was committed to doing all that she could to improve the quality of life for her fellow North Dakotans. I will miss you immensely, Liz. Rest in Power, my friend.”

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) said, “Liz was a shining light everywhere she went, even in difficult conversations, she listened and worked with every person, no matter their politics. She exemplified what it meant to be a public servant because she cares deeply about everyone she represents.”

Senator Ryan Braunberger (D-Fargo) said, “It was a heartbreaking day when I lost a wonderful friend and colleague who always gave me straightforward advice, including reminding me to trim my beard when necessary. You were a fantastic friend and colleague, and you will be greatly missed.”

North Democratic-NPL Congressional Candidate Trygve Hammer said, “I am heartbroken by the sudden passing of my friend Representative Liz Conmy. Liz was everything North Dakota politics should be. She was a friend of public education, and she brought with her to the state legislature an understanding of how policy affected her Fargo district and rural districts like the one where she farmed. She fought for her constituents with care and without ego. During the 2024 campaign cycle, she opened her home to those working in the trenches of North Dakota politics, an act of warmth and hospitality that I will never forget. North Dakota has lost a tremendous public servant. I have lost a treasured friend. My heart goes out to her four children, her fellow state legislators, and all who loved her.”

DNC Committeeman Jamie Selzler said, “In just a few legislative sessions, Liz Conmy proved herself as one of North Dakota’s finest legislators. She had the rare ability to equally understand and represent both the most rural and urban parts of our state, thanks to knowing life on a farm in Langdon and life in Fargo. Beyond that, she was an exceptionally kind person: quick with a hug and an encouraging word and smile. She’ll be deeply missed by all who knew her and were fortunate enough to call her a friend.”

Zach Raknerud, Candidate for District 5 House in Minot, said, “There really aren’t words I can say that haven’t been said already. This loss is just so huge. I never got to know Liz personally, being four hours down the road, but I had a huge admiration for everything she did during challenging times in ND. I recently pulled data to get a thank you card group going and saw she had chipped in to our friends in the District 5 Dem-NPL. Despite being an urban legislator, she cared deeply for our rural communities, too. She was among the best that North Dakota has to offer. Thank you, Liz.”

Democratic-NPL Communications Director Laura Dronen said, “Liz’s death is a profound loss for our community and our state. She had a stellar sense of humor and had an uncanny ability to work with people across the political spectrum. I think that’s what made her such a good lawmaker—she got along with everyone without sacrificing her values. I’m going to miss her mentorship and friendship. My deepest condolences to her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.”

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