Dem-NPLers mourn the loss of Legislative Giant Rep. Delmore

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 20, 2026

GRAND FORKS – On Wednesday, Former State Representative Lois Delmore of Grand Forks passed away at age 76. Delmore served for over 24 years in the North Dakota Legislature.

ND DNC Committeeman and former runningmate of Rep. Delmore, Jamie Selzler remarked, “I ran for the State House in 2006 with Lois, and got to see up close why she was so beloved as a legislator: She listened, she cared, she fought for what she believed, and she always found a way to work with others. You will not find a single legislator she served with, from either party, who wouldn’t say that Lois was one of the smartest, hardest working, and kind members that the State House has ever had.

But as good of a legislator as she was, she was an even better friend. She loved without judgement, cared without asking for anything in return, and when you were with her she made you feel like the center of the universe. North Dakota is a better state because Lois Delmore unselfishly gave 24 years of service to the place she loved, just as those of us who felt her love were made better by it.”

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) said, “Rep. Lois Delmore was one of our state’s best public servant having dedicated her life to education, advocacy and policy. She mentored me and so many other legislators over the years to focus on the issues impacting our communities and state as a way to build trust with our legislative colleagues. Lois’ legacy will live on through the students she taught and the policy makers she inspired.”

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, “Lois was a dedicated public servant and champion for Grand Forks. I aspired to live up to her example of working across the aisle to form genuine partnerships and friendships. May she rest in peace and her family take comfort in the lasting impact she made for North Dakota.”

Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said, “My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Lois. I served with her in all of her years in the legislature. She was gregarious, a hard worker, and passionate about proper funding for schools. For all 24 years together her hair stayed pitch black and only mine changed color which we joked about!”

Former State Party Chair and Legislator Kylie Oversen said, “When I was asked to run for the legislature in Grand Forks, Lois Delmore was the first woman I met with. She was encouraging and thoughtful in answering questions and sharing her experiences. But I knew of Lois for many years before that because she was a longtime speaker at and supporter of North Dakota Girls State, when I was a participant and counselor.
For decades, across politics, education, and community service, Lois was a stalwart supporter of so many people. Especially young people and women. She encouraged and believed in others. She fought to make things better in her community and state. She was truly the epitome of a public servant.’

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Thompson ready to tackle Farm Crisis as North Dakota Ag Commissioner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 20, 2026

FARGO, ND – Former state lawmaker Vern Thompson announced today that he’s running for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner. Thompson has already been endorsed by the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Executive Committee.

Thompson said, “I’m here to give a reality check. No sugarcoating. No political spin. Just the truth about costs, markets, ownership, and the Industrial Commission. North Dakota farmers and ranchers are facing the biggest farm crisis in 40 years.

Production agriculture isn’t just an industry. It’s $41.3 billion in economic activity. It’s 123,000 North Dakota jobs. It’s our identity. It’s our way of life, and right now, it’s in trouble.”

Originally from Minnewaukan, Thompson is an independent trucker and former farmer. In the North Dakota Senate, he served as Minority Caucus Leader.

Thompson continued, “Costs have exploded, and every farmer and consumer feels it. Fertilizer has doubled. Diesel fuel is over five dollars in parts of the state. Machinery prices are through the roof. Farmers are still trying to move last year’s soybeans. There are thousands of bushels sitting in wraps across North Dakota. Some elevators won’t even take them.

Farm debt is at record highs, and families are being pushed off their land. And who’s buying it? Not the next generation–many farm kids don’t see a future in farming. Instead, it’s billionaires and out‑of‑state corporations. It’s investors who have never set foot on a North Dakota field. Bill Gates, Scott Bessent, and Wall Street funds are buying up the land that built this state.

North Dakota deserves leaders who will stand up for family farmers and speak honestly about the crisis. We need someone who’ll fight to keep land in the hands of the people who work it: not corporations, not absentee investors or Wall Street. That is my reality check, and the reason why I’m running for ND Ag Commissioner.”

Supreme Court Overrules Donald Trump’s Reckless Tariffs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 20, 2026

FARGO – Today, the Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal, rejecting the Trump administration’s claim that it has unilateral authority to enact Trump’s trade war.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “Trump’s tariffs thrust our farmers into the worst crisis they’ve faced since the 1980s. The Supreme Court’s ruling matches what we already knew—that these disastrous tariffs were illegal, but the damage is already done. North Dakota small businesses have closed. Working families are barely making ends meet. Our farmers’ trade markets have been destroyed. Fedorchak, Hoeven, and Cramer have been asleep at the wheel while North Dakotans suffer.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Mile High City Mayor to address North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 18, 2026

BISMARCK – Denver Mayor Mike Johnston will address the delegates of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention on March 7. Since the start of his administration, Denver has achieved historic reductions in street homelessness, enhanced public safety, expanded affordable housing, and invested in revitalizing its downtown. Mayor Johnston started his career as a high school English teacher in the Mississippi Delta. He returned to Colorado to become a school principal, leading three different schools in the Denver metro area, and later served as a senior education advisor to President Obama.

DNC Midwest Region President Ron Harris will speak at Friday Evening’s Dinner with Democrats. Harris served as Minnesota State Campaign Director for Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential race and as Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Minneapolis.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “We’re thrilled to bring Mayor Mike Johnston and DNC Midwest Chair Ron Harris to North Dakota. Under Mayor Johnston, Denver has seen the largest reduction in homelessness and homicides. Ron has been on the front lines of responding to the chaos of heavily armed, masked federal agents in Minnesota and has organized Democrats across the state in local, statewide, and federal elections. Democrats fight for strong and safe communities, and these men exemplify that.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Dem-NPLers Reflect on Rep. Dobervich’s Service to ND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 28, 2026

FARGO – Today, Assistant House Minority Leader Gretchen Dobervich (D-Fargo) announced she would not be seeking re-election to the North Dakota State House. Dobervich was appointed to her seat in 2016 and elected in 2018. 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.

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, “Rep. Gretchen Dobervich has brought nearly unmatched passion, dedication, joy, and moral clarity to the House of Representatives. Her positive impacts on public health, healthcare policy, and tribal relations leave an impressive legacy of public service. South Fargo is lucky to have had her represent it in Bismarck. I’m honored to have served alongside her in leadership and grateful I get to call her my friend.”

Rep. Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo) remarked, “Gretchen dedicated her decade of public service to improving the lives of every North Dakotan. She is a tenacious champion of affordable and accessible health care services and stronger public health policies. Gretchen’s voice on these issues will be sorely missed in the legislature, along with her constant smile, kind words and good humor.”

Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said, “Gretchen is my stalwart running mate and fellow legislator in District 11! Representative Dobervich is a hardworking legislator who understands the real needs of children and families. Her years of foster caring with husband Eric gave her a perspective we need in the legislature.”

Rep. Liz Conmy (D-Fargo) said, “As a legislator, Gretchen always took the high road in support of her constituents’ concerns. She has been an excellent mentor; she led by example. We will miss her voice in District 11.”

Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille (D-Mandaree) said, “Gretchen has been a consistent ally to North Dakota’s Tribal Nations. Her years of service, particularly in health and human services, reflected a genuine commitment to listening, partnership, and improving outcomes for our communities. I wish her well in her future and send thanks for her years of hard work. Maacagíraac!”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Region 8 Rep. Terri Hedman remarked, “Gretchen and I became acquainted through her leadership in the Legislative Victory Fund. Through the years, she has been a kind, no-nonsense touchpoint for me. Along with her constituents, I thank her for dedicated service to our state and party.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Communications Director Laura Dronen said, “Gretchen’s got a big heart and an even bigger sense of humor. Her passion for the health of our communities guides pretty much everything she does. Gretchen is someone you can always count on to lend a hand, to lift your spirits, or to just be there in a time of need. Her voice will be missed in the House, but I know that this isn’t the last North Dakotans will see of Gretch!

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Data Director Chris McEwen put it simply, swiftly, and well, “Gretchen is a GOOD EGG.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Republican Senators Spoil School Meal Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 23, 2026

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Senate shot down a bill to fund no-cost school lunches for every North Dakota student. An initiated measure for free school meals is likely to receive enough signatures to appear on the ballot in November. A 2024 poll from North Dakota United showed that 79% of North Dakotans support free school meals.

House Minority Leader Zac Ista remarked, “The Republican legislature has proven time and time again that they will not pass a popular bill to feed North Dakota kids and make life more affordable for families. This was the only chance we had to put money back in people’s pockets, and the Republican dominated Senate dropped the ball.”

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) said, “Democratic-NPL legislators have led this fight to find school meals for many sessions. In fact, the first bill I introduced during my first session in 2013 was to fund milk or juice for elementary students during their snack break if their families couldn’t afford it. We’ll continue to fight for North Dakota kids and join the majority of North Dakotans who will pass universal school meals on the ballot in November.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Legislative Management Moves Forward Universal School Lunch Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 20, 2026

BISMARCK – Legislative Management moved forward a bill to fund no-cost school lunches for every North Dakota student. After voting down this popular policy in past legislative sessions, Republican lawmakers feel the pressure to preempt a constitutional initiated measure for universal school meals.

“We are a rich state, we’re a food basket of America,” said Rep. LaurieBeth Hager (D-Fargo), “This is a way to get money directly to the families of this state. Many things in our education system are not income-based—we don’t do that for textbooks, we don’t do that for transportation.” Hager sponsored bills to enact universal free school lunches in 2023 and 2025.

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) remarked, “One in seven children in this state lives in poverty. Poverty is often invisible.” Hogan emphasized that parents may feel embarrassed or not have the capacity to complete the current paperwork to sign their children up for free or reduced lunch.

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Hogan leaves an indelible impact on North Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 15, 2026

FARGO – Today, Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) announced that she will not seek reelection. Hogan will be hosting a candidate interest meeting this Saturday, January 17 at the Fargo Democratic-NPL Office at 10:00 AM for folks to learn about running for office up or down the ballot.

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp remarked, “Kathy has served North Dakotans and District 21 with intellect and heart. She consistently delivered wins for the marginalized, and her advocacy for health care, Medicaid recipients, and our state’s children will be hallmarks of her service. Her ability to lead with compassion and humor will be greatly missed at the Capitol.”

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) said, “Sen. Hogan continues to leave a legacy for all North Dakotans. Well before she was elected to the legislature, she played an instrumental role in improving the quality of life for our citizens and working towards a healthier North Dakota. She will be greatly missed in the Capitol, but I know Sen. Hogan will continue to help move our state forward as she enjoys her retirement from public service.”

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, “Kathy Hogan is the gold standard of public service. She cares deeply, works tirelessly, listens patiently, and acts courageously. Her mark on this state is indelible, and her legacy will be long-remembered and appreciated. I will miss my friend and mentor in the legislature, but I know she’s always just a phone call away enjoying her well-earned retirement.”

Former Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman said, “It is truly difficult to summarize the work of Sen. Hogan and the impact she has had in her community and in the North Dakota Legislature in a few paragraphs. Sen. Hogan is one of a kind, who is and has been a true public servant. If you don’t have Kathy in your quick dial numbers, you are missing out. She is always available to help. She listens to the issues, helps develop the questions that need answering, and then proceeds to bring people together to develop solutions to those issues.

Respect is a word I think of when I think of her time in the legislature. She is and was respected by legislators from both chambers as well as staff, the press, and visitors to the Capitol. She is a person of great integrity, a consensus builder, and a mediator. She is not afraid to say exactly what she means. I don’t expect Sen. Hogan to put her phone and computer away November 30th. I would hope she will channel her skills to local issues and her love of non-profits. We are all better from knowing and working with Kathy. None better and there never will be!”

DNC Deputy Executive Director Libby Schneider remarked, “Senator Hogan is exactly what you want in an elected official – smart, steadfast, selfless and driven by a moral compass that is unwaveringly pointed in the direction of what is right. She has given so much to District 21 and to our state and will go down in the history books as one of the finest legislators North Dakota has ever seen.”

Former Democratic-NPL Chair and Legislator Kylie Oversen said, “From the first moment I was elected to the legislature, I had an advocate, mentor, and friend in Kathy Hogan. She thoughtfully and intentionally mentored many new legislators, especially young women, and I was fortunate to be on the receiving end of her advice and kindness. In her many decades of public service, Kathy has been an incredible and relentless advocate for our state’s most vulnerable populations. Her knowledge of systems and institutions, and her wide network of relationships across all levels of government, made her a go-to leader on so many pressing issues in our state. In the Dem-NPL, if there was ever a question of historical practice or how to approach a difficult situation, Kathy was often the first call, and will remain so as long as she keeps answering! Kathy’s humor, kindness, and wisdom will be dearly missed in the state capitol.”

“I have been honored to serve with Senator Kathy Hogan. She is a tireless public servant for the residents of D21 and the citizens of North Dakota. She puts her heart in everything she does and has touched the lives of hundreds of people. It seems like everybody knows Kathy. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to serve with her in the ND Legislature and learn from her. Wishing Kathy all the best in her retirement,” remarked Rep. LaurieBeth Hager (D-Fargo)

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Vice-Chair Heather Tyulyandin remarked, “Kathy’s passionate service to her community and the state of ND has been nothing short of exemplary. From being on multiple committees to working hard to revamp mental health care and childcare, she has given her best to the state and is leaving a legacy of change.

State Senator Richard Marcellaid (D-9) said, “Senator Hogan thank you for Leadership and service to the State of North Dakota, I want to wish you the best in the future.

Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille (D-4) remarked, “Kathy Hogan’s decision not to seek re-election marks the end of a consequential era of leadership in North Dakota. She has been a principled and reliable ally to Native Nations, and a legislator many of us looked to for guidance when clarity and courage were required. Service in the North Dakota Legislature is both a privilege and a serious responsibility, and Kathy carried that responsibility with integrity, consistency, and respect for the people she served. Her leadership set a standard that will be felt long after her departure, and the state is better because of her work.

“Kathy Hogan is a giant in the Democratic-NPL Party. In addition to the incredible ways in which she’s improved the lives of her District 21 constituents and her fellow North Dakotans, she’s made the Dem-NPL stronger. Her focus on finding candidates who best represent the needs of their district, and who work hard on the campaign trail, was unrivaled. The best kind of leader is one leads by example, and that’s exactly what Senator Hogan has done throughout her exceptional career,” said Jamie Selzler, DNC Democratic National Committeeman and DNC Rules & Bylaws Member

DNC Committeewoman Renae Aarfor remarked, “No matter your political affiliation in North Dakota, Kathy Hogan is truly a state treasure. Every morning she asks herself how she can make life better for everyone—and then she goes out and makes it happen.”

Terri Hedman, Democratic-NPL Region 8 Representative, said, “So many of us have benefited from Senator Hogan’s wisdom and caring, most importantly children through her work on Human Services. She will be sincerely missed by colleagues, both Democrat and Republican. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for her leadership and to her husband Dennis for supporting her as she served.”

Democratic-NPL Communications Director and Former District 21 Chair Laura Dronen said, “Senator Hogan is an institution in and of herself. Despite being in the minority, Democrats have been able to accomplish many important policies with Kathy deftly guiding the helm. Much of what has made our district party successful has started with discussions around her dining room table.
She’s a vigorous advocate for North Dakota’s most vulnerable. Guided by her faith, she approaches everything she does with a love of humanity. This extends well beyond policymaking. When my husband died, she was among the first people to ask what I needed and ran to her home to get sleep meds and melatonin so I would be able to rest. I’m not unique in receiving Kathy’s kindness and compassion. Her wealth of knowledge will be missed in the Capitol, but I’m grateful our district and state party will continue to benefit from her generous presence.”

District 21 Residents Dan Rice and Amy Phillips said, “Kathy Hogan has served with courage, expertise, and most of all, integrity. She has been an incomparable advocate for the people of North Dakota and particularly the people of District 21. The legislature will be a lesser place without her.”

District 7 Democratic-NPL Secretary Kat Bingamen said, “I just saw Kathy on the news last night talking about the special session. I told my husband that she is ‘so darn smart.’ I have always enjoyed working with her and being around her. She’s like the bubbles in my champagne. My heart is heavy to hear she is not seeking reelection, but a point comes in life when you have to decide to live life and not live politics. Thank you, Kathy, for all you have done for the people of North Dakota.”

District 13 Dem-NPL Secretary Dianne Hyndman said, “Kathy Hogan, my deepest regards to you for your serving with grace, honor and bipartisanship! This state owes you a ton of gratitude, as well as our Democratic friends. I will always keep your friendship in my heart! Wishing you well on your retirement.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention to be held in Bismarck, March 6-8

**Press Credentials Available Here**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 13, 2026

BISMARCK – Today, the North Dakota Democratic-NPL announced that their state convention will be held in Bismarck from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, 2026. All official business will take place on Saturday, March 7. More information about the convention can be found here.

Delegates to the state convention are elected at their legislative district conventions. If a district does not fill its slate of delegates and alternates, it may allow the district chair to appoint the remaining delegates.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Secretary and Convention Planning Chair Kari Breker said, “At a moment when division threatens progress, we come together – across generations, communities, and regions – to reaffirm that democracy works best when everyone has a voice and a stake in what comes next. This convention is about leadership rooted in hope, action over cynicism, and unity as the engine of lasting change. Together, we are not just defending democracy – we are building a future worthy of the next generation.”

Convention Dates:
March 6-8, 2026
NOTE: All official business/gavel-in will only take place on Saturday, March 7th

Location:
Bismarck State College
The National Energy Center of Excellence (Friday)
The Advanced Technology Center (Saturday)
1200 Schafer St, Bismarck, ND 58501

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Fedorchak, again, refuses to lower North Dakotans’ health care costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 8, 2026

FARGO – Today, House Democrats forced a vote on extending the ACA tax credits for three years. All Democratic and 17 Republican Members of Congress voted to lower health care costs. Rep. Julie Fedorchak voted no.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Communications Director Laura Dronen said, “North Dakotans are canceling their health care coverage because they can’t afford it. Julie Fedorchak could have prevented this health care crisis back in October, but she and House Republicans refused to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies. This is a matter of life and death for many North Dakotans, but Fedorchak doesn’t care. She is completely failing our hard-working small business owners, farmers, and families!”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Dem-NPL Statement on Trump Admin’s illegal military ops in Venezuela

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 3, 2026

FARGO – Today, the Trump Administration conducted illegal and unconstitutional military operations in Venezuela.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “This clearly isn’t about stemming the flow of drugs. Just last month, Trump pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, who conspired with some of the worst drug traffickers in the world to bring more than 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S. This is about enriching oil corporations and billionaires.

Health insurance has become completely unaffordable for millions of Americans. Our farmers suffered all season, and still face great uncertainty. We’re on the precipice of a recession. Instead of working make life better for Americans, he’s playing kingmaker in Venezuela.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Senate fails to pass ACA tax credit extension

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 11, 2025

FARGO – Today the U.S. Senate voted on a clean, three-year extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits. Republicans Susan Collins, Josh Hawley, Lisa Murkowski, and Dan Sullivan joined all Senate Democrats in voting for the extension, but the bill failed to receive the 60 votes needed to pass.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Communications Director Laura Dronen said, “For years, Republican lawmakers have fought to repeal the Affordable Care Act without any real plan to replace it. For months, Congressional Republicans refused to work with Democrats to extend these tax credits. Now thousands of North Dakotans will see their health care costs go through the roof, and many will forgo coverage because they simply can’t afford it. The Trump administration keeps piling crisis on top of crisis onto hardworking Americans, while they reward cronies and criminals. Our small business owners, farmers, and families deserve better. Democrats will keep fighting to lower health care costs.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]