FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 1, 2026

FARGO and GRAND FORKS, ND – Sen. Ryan Braunberger (D-Fargo) Democratic-NPL candidate for North Dakota Secretary of State, and Tim Lamb, Democratic-NPL candidate for North Dakota Attorney General, today issued a joint statement condemning President Trump’s March 31 executive order which directs the federal government send a preapproved “citizenship list” based on faulty and incomplete information.

It directs the U.S. Postal Service to prohibit the delivery of mail-in ballots to any voter not enrolled on the pre-approved list, which is a mechanism that does not exist in North Dakota law. The order jeopardizes federal funds from states deemed noncompliant—a direct threat to North Dakota election funding. It also threatens criminal prosecution of state and local election workers. Each election, tens of thousands of North Dakota voters securely cast absentee and mail-in ballots, with over 90,000 voters (nearly 25% of all voters) voting by this method in the 2024 general election.

“North Dakota built the most straightforward election system in the country: no voter registration, a clean voter ID law, county auditors who know their voters, and multiple convenient ways to securely cast a ballot, including by mail,” said Braunberger, “Donald Trump’s executive order threatens to trample our voting rights this November by making it harder, if not impossible, to vote by mail–even though Trump himself voted by mail in recent weeks. Every North Dakotan who votes absentee, whether they’re farmers, people who travel for work, military families, or seniors in rural counties, is at risk of having their ballot blocked because some federal bureaucrat in Washington didn’t get a list in time. North Dakotans deserve a Secretary of State who will stand up against Trump’s hypocritical overreach. If elected this November, I will be an outspoken advocate for our voters, including those who securely cast their ballots by mail.”

Lamb remarked, “The issue is the bad idea of “federalizing” the election process. In North Dakota, our voting process is well oiled and proven flawless, from the county auditors to the election-day volunteers and voting sites, to the post-election canvasing boards, to the secretary of state, who oversees the process. There’s no problem with our election process from our past election results. Trump’s executive order is attempting to mess up our election system and it should be challenged in federal court as unconstitutional. Like his tariff executive order, which hurt our farmers and ranchers, this order is not in our best interest and will stifle our election process.”

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

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.”

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com