Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro to Keynote Dem-NPL Burdick Dinner 

BISMARCK, ND —  The Democratic-NPL Party announces that former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro will keynote the annual Burdick Dinner, Saturday, September 26. The event will be held virtually this year as part of ongoing COVID-19 prevention measures while maintaining a robust campaign schedule leading up to November 3. 

Along with his work as HUD Secretary for President Obama’s administration, Castro was a 2020 Democratic candidate for president and is a former Mayor of San Antonio. His grandmother came to the United States when she was seven years old. His mother was the first Chicana to run for San Antonio City Council. His twin brother is U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, of Texas. 

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said: 

“We’re thrilled that Secretary Castro will join us for the annual Burdick Dinner, even if this year is a little bit different because of COVID-19. As a third-generation American and former U.S. cabinet secretary, he proves the American dream is achievable. He also has the wisdom and understanding to know that it’s not accessible for everyone. He has committed his life’s work to building infrastructure to help families get on their feet, so everyone has the opportunity to achieve.”

Oversen continued:

“Throughout his time as a Democratic presidential candidate, Secretary Castro shifted the conversation on a spectrum of issues, including systemic racism, a year before a police officer killed George Floyd in Minneapolis setting off protests around the world. Just this week, an officer shot Jacob Blake, a black man, in the back, setting off community unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It’s long past time that Black Americans and people of color can feel safe going about their lives, and we’re thankful to Secretary Castro for his continued leadership to fight injustice.”

About the Burdick Dinner:

This is the 10th Annual Burdick Dinner, which was founded to honor the lives and service of Senators Quentin and Jocelyn Burdick and the lasting legacy of leadership they have had on the state of North Dakota. The event will be held virtually at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. To order tickets, visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bdin2020?refcode=speakeremail. 

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