Longest-serving Republican State Senator in the US Ray Holmberg sentenced to 10 years for child sex tourism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 26, 2025

FARGO ND – The longest-serving State Senator in the United States was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison today for traveling abroad to sexually abuse children.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Communications Director Laura Dronen said, “We will never know the full extent of the lives that were ruined by Ray Holmberg, but we hope that the survivors he’s left in his wake of depravity find some sense of healing in today’s just sentencing.

Holmberg showed no real remorse for his heinous crimes. He claimed his despicable text messages about assaulting minors were effectively just locker room talk. He said he was ‘bragging’ about raping children to a child rapist. Holmberg even tried to crack jokes. It’s that same man who for decades was one of the most powerful politicians in North Dakota. The current Grand Forks legislative districts were drawn up by that man. Committee heads were chosen by that man. That man held the purse strings for our state. This has to be the most egregious abuse of power and biggest political scandal our state has ever seen.”

At the sentencing, it was revealed that Holmberg called Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem after his home was raided in November 2021. Holmberg left a voicemail saying “Wayne this is my burner phone. I’m in big trouble.” Holmberg also asked an employee from the AG’s office to whisper to Stenehjem, “Nick the thief did it again.”

Dronen said, “This case continues to raise more questions than it answers. Holmberg manipulated his constituents and many of his colleagues to conceal his true self, but there were those around him who knew what a monster he was. If there are public figures who helped him bury his crimes, the people of North Dakota deserve to know who they are.”

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

“We don’t need you to be kissing this administration’s butt” Fedorchak fawns over Trump at so-called telephone town hall to North Dakotans’ chagrin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 25, 2025

FARGO ND – On Tuesday evening, Representative Julie Fedorchak hosted a “telephone town hall.” Fedorchak said that Trump may come to North Dakota remarking, “He pledged he would think about doing that.”

North Dakota DNC Committeeman Jamie Selzler said, “I appreciate that Representative Fedorchak took my call to kick off her tele-town hall tonight. I respect that she was willing to take tough questions and didn’t handpick callers. That said, I asked her about unelected Elon Musk diving into Medicaid and Social Security in order to cut and kill these critical programs. I asked her to speak up to defend entitlements against attack, and she refused to do so. We are months away from Social Security checks being missed, and from rural clinics closing. Medicaid is about to be slashed by Elon Musk and Donald Trump, which will hurt tens of thousands of North Dakotans who rely on it for healthcare and assisted living support. Julie Fedorchak remains silent on this, and as a Member of Congress is abdicating her responsibility to provide oversight of the administration and to defend the people she’s supposed to represent.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Communications Director Laura Dronen remarked, “Fedorchak said that Social Security is not being cut. That’s just a lie. DOGE is planning to cut phone support for Social Security. We are already seeing longer wait times. The Minot Social Security Office is on a list of offices that are set to close. Trump’s Commerce Secretary said no one would ‘call and complain’ if they miss a Social Security check—they won’t even be able to call after Elon guts the phone support.

When asked about Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle the Education Department, she seemed completely fine with it even though that will be detrimental to rural schools and disabled students. She refused to call on anyone to resign—let alone be held accountable—after one of the most glaring breaches of national security we’ve witnessed when a journalist was accidentally included in a group chat about plans to bomb Yemen. Her answers were so vapid and pathetic that it spurred a constituent to say, ‘We don’t need you to be kissing this administration’s butt.’”

NDGOP statement on Holmberg Case is insufficient

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 21, 2025

FARGO ND – Following the release of Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl’s sentencing memorandum that outlines Former Republican State Senator Ray Holmberg’s pattern of sexual exploitation and abuse of children, the NDGOP released a statement about Holmberg.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL DNC Committee man Jamie Selzler said, “What was missing was any sort of demand that their own legislators do anything to prevent this from happening again. Who among them enabled Holmberg? Who was he bragging to about this disgusting behavior? The NDGOP statement is literally the bare minimum that would be expected in this situation. Ray Holmberg sexually abused young men and boys on the dime of the North Dakota taxpayer.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “If the NDGOP is truly as disturbed as they claim to be about these crimes, they’ll immediately work to put into law full transparency of how tax dollars are spent for legislative travel, they’ll ensure that the Ethics Commission has full autonomy to both investigate and take action when legislators violate the trust placed in them, and they will proactively announce that any elected or appointed official, or any Republican Party official, who had any knowledge of Holmberg’s actions immediately resign their position. But North Dakota Republicans aren’t working to root out real predators or enact rules to prevent the abuse of power Ray Holmberg wielded. Instead, they are attacking teachers and librarians. If they want to find the real offenders, they need to realize that the call is coming from inside the house.”

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

Disturbing Details in Holmberg Case Revealed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 20, 2025

FARGO ND – The U.S. Attorney’s office filed a sentencing memorandum that outlines Former Republican State Senator Ray Holmberg’s pattern of sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

Two details that raise distressing and pressing questions for the public: “Others involved in politics also began propositioning the young man, he told investigators,” and “Investigators also found that Holmberg routinely bragged to friends he trusted about his sexual exploitation of boys.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “It’s clear that Ray Holmberg not only thought he was invincible because of the power he had, but he used that power to manipulate and exploit vulnerable young men in North Dakota. Holmberg abused some of the most vulnerable children when he traveled abroad, and he used his position of power—and our taxpayer dollars—to do it. We still don’t know who else enabled Holmberg’s depraved crimes. For the sake of the survivors of his abuse and coercion, may justice be served.”

Goldwyn continued, “As we see legislators attack librarians, teachers, and LGBTQ North Dakotans, it continues to be Republican lawmakers who abuse their positions of power to prey on others. Just yesterday we learned that a MN Republican Senator who ran on “family values” was arrested on felony charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution. It’s Donald Trump who was found liable for sexual assault. He celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a man who was found liable for rape. He brought a man back to the US who has been charged with rape and human trafficking. We won’t ignore this pattern of abuse, and the American people shouldn’t either.”

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

Dem-NPL: investments in families more important than ever with uncertain economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 13, 2025

BISMARCK, ND – On Thursday, the ND Legislature received a revised revenue forecast for the upcoming biennium. State revenues over the next two years are expected to grow at a slower pace due to lower oil prices and greater uncertainty from President Donald Trump’s trade wars.

Sen. Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) said:
“After mere weeks back in office, Donald Trump’s chaotic policies have thrown the public’s confidence in a strong economy into sudden disarray. Retirement accounts are down, egg prices are up, and middle class families are bearing the brunt. This is why North Dakota should invest in its people and their future. The legislature can lower costs for families by investing in healthcare, affordable housing, and no-cost school meals for all students, as well as expanding property tax relief. The last thing we should do right now is give public tax dollars to private schools instead of investing in our public schools.”

Sen. Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) said:
“While the revenue forecast is cautious, North Dakotans should be reassured that our state is still in a very healthy financial situation. North Dakota can afford to invest in families and their futures, and that should be our priority when so many of our neighbors are struggling with the high cost of living.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

Former Dem-NPL Chair George Gaukler passes away

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 12, 2025

VALLEY CITY, ND – Valley City developer and former Chair of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL, George Gaukler, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Gaukler served as Chair of the Dem-NPL from 1980-1994. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 10, 2025 at the Center for the Arts on the VCSU campus.

Former U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy said, “George Gaukler was a builder. His impact will be felt in the cities of our region for generations. He was a driving force in Valley City’s Economic Development Commission since its founding to present day. He and his beloved wife Audrey generously sponsored programs and community facilities like Valley City’s Gaukler Center, enhancing the quality of life in our area. He was also the most effective State Chairman the Democratic Party has ever had—leading our state to Democratic domination for the period of time he was our leader. To me, he was like an older brother. I tried to follow his golden counsel and always wanted him to be proud of our efforts because he had worked so hard to get us elected in the first place. After retiring from politics, he worked hard on his many projects. He was making notes and giving instructions to his team right till the end. We will sorely miss our friend and leader George Gaukler.”

Larry Robinson, former State Senator District 24 and recently retired as the Executive Director of the Valley City State University Foundation, remarked, “North Dakota lost one of its most prominent businessmen in the passing of Valley City’s George Gaukler. George spent his entire life in real estate development building numerous single family homes and multi-family housing units. George was a visionary and had a passion for improving the quality of life for all. George and his late wife Audrey were pillars in our community, leading and supporting numerous community improvements. George had a big heart and helped many over the course of his life. He was driven and he was a born leader. His passing is a big loss for our community and the state of North Dakota. He will be missed!”

Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said, “George Gaukler lived a full and energetic life. He shared his business success by generous philanthropy. He shared his social justice values by mentoring and supporting political candidates. He shared his concerns by challenging organizations when they strayed from their teachings. We are blessed by his life, may George Gaukler rest in peace.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

Dem-NPL Chair offers condolences after Tuesday shooting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 5, 2025

FARGO, ND – The Spirit Lake Tribal Council reported today that two people were killed in a shooting in St. Michael on Tuesday morning and one is in critical condition.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, Spirit Lake Nation, and everyone impacted by this tragedy. Native American women are disproportionately affected by gun violence, and we urge legislators to consider ways to create safer communities for all North Dakotans.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

Senator Mathern calls for Special Hearing on Federal Cuts impact on ND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 5, 2025

BISMARCK, ND – This morning, Sen. Tim Mathern (D-11) asked that the Senate Appropriations Committee hold a Special Hearing to assemble information regarding anticipated federal cuts that will impact North Dakota agencies and citizens.

Mathern said of his request, “My concern is that citizens ask questions, that we are bombarded with news media snippets, and that we need to know the information to prepare a proper state budget. State agencies are closer to the federal changes than legislators are. We need to hear from them, so we can respond to our constituents.”

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

Dem-NPL reacts to Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 4, 2025

FARGO, ND – Donald Trump gave a Joint Address to Congress tonight.

Democratic-NPL Communications Director Laura Dronen said, “Over and over Trump subjected Americans to lies. Costs are skyrocketing. The economy is plummeting. Planes are falling out of the sky as they gut the FAA. We are less safe and worse off since Trump handed over the keys to our country to Elon Musk and his teeny-bobber minions. As they destroy Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, where will our seniors turn? As they erode the Affordable Care Act, how will North Dakotans with preexisting conditions afford to see a doctor? As they obliterate consumer protections, who will safeguard us from real waste, fraud, and abuse? When everything that makes the United States of America the leader of the free world has been hacked and slashed to death, what will be left of us?”

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

Dem-NPL Chair Statement ahead of Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 4, 2025

FARGO, ND – After firing thousands of federal employees—including North Dakotans—with no regard to public safety, Donald Trump will deliver a joint address to Congress this evening.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Trump’s only priority right now is to rig the economy for the ultra-rich and giant corporations by ripping away our health care and raising costs on working families. Whether it’s the price of eggs to housing, Trump’s policies are already making life more unaffordable for North Dakotans, and this will only get worse. Medicaid, which covers 2 out of 3 people in nursing homes, is first on the chopping block, and Elon Musk just called Social Security a ‘Ponzi scheme’—they’re going to steal from you and your grandma to pay for tax cuts for out-of-state billionaires.”

The Democratic-NPL encourages North Dakotans to contact Sen. Hoeven, Sen. Cramer, and Rep. Fedorchak to tell them to commit to protecting Social Security, fighting cost-raising tariffs, and ending the purge of federal workers.

Senator John Hoeven – 701-250-4618
Senator Kevin Cramer – 701-204-0500
Rep. Julie Fedorchak – 701-354-6700

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

Record Turnout at Northern Valley Dem-NPL Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 1, 2024

GRAND FORKS, ND – Today the Northern Valley Democratic-NPL held Re-organization meetings for Legislative Districts 17, 18, 20, 42, and 43. The group had record turnout for these meetings—with over 140 in attendance—to elect leadership for the local Democratic-NPL districts. The group also collected nonperishables in response to likely Republican cuts to SNAP and EBT (food stamps).

Northern Valley Democratic–NPL Chair Sarah Grossbauer said, “Every person in this room is proof that our movement isn’t going anywhere. We’re organizing, we’re growing, and we’re fighting for a future where no one has to struggle to put food on the table, where every child gets a quality education, where workers are valued and protected, and where every North Dakotan—no matter their zip code, job, or background—has a real shot at success.”

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-43) said, “Patriotic North Dakotans will not sit idly by and watch our county and world thrown into chaos. From reawakened lifelong Democrats to newly frustrated independents to finally fed up Republicans, there’s a home in the North Dakota Democratic-NPL for anyone who wants to take our great country back from Donald Trump and Elon Musk.”

If residents of the Northern Red River Valley would like to get involved in their local Democratic-NPL, they can contact northernvalleydemnpl@gmail.com

CONTACT:
Sarah Grossbauer
Northern Valley Democratic-NPL
northernvalleydemnpl@gmail.com

Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

Dem-NPL Chair urges North Dakotans to tell Fedorchak to reject House Budget Resolution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 25, 2025

FARGO, ND – The House Republican budget resolution could be voted on as soon as this evening. To extend tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, this budget would bring about cuts to Medicaid, hot lunch programs, SNAP, and other agricultural-related programs, and would increase the national debt.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “The Republican budget robs from you, your children, your families, and your friends to give a massive handout to Elon Musk and the obscenely wealthy.

Democrats offered an amendment to protect Medicaid and House Republicans blocked it. A one trillion dollar cut to Medicaid would be devastating to North Dakota families. Over 112,000 North Dakotans are on Medicaid. Medicaid covers 2 out of 3 people in nursing homes; this would shutter rural nursing homes across our state. And even after they’ve gutted health care for seniors, kids, and American families to pay for these kickbacks to Trump billionaire backers, this budget will balloon our national debt by 4 trillion dollars. I called Rep. Fedorchak’s office today to ask her to vote no and not take health care away from us, our friends, our families, and our communities. I ask every citizen of this state to contact her as well.”

Fedorchak’s office can be contacted at (202) 225-2611 or https://fedorchak.house.gov/contact/email-me

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
laura.dronen@demnpl.com