Dem-NPL Statement on the Passing of Dedicated Public Servant, Beloved Legislator, Liz Conmy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 25, 2026

FARGO – Today, Representative Liz Conmy (D-Fargo) died in a plane accident.

House Minority Leader Zac Ista 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.”

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

Trump-Vance Official’s comment puts corporations over working families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 14, 2026

FARGO – Today, the top economic advisor to the Trump-Vance Administration, Kevin Hassett, said, “While it’s very frustrating to go to the pump and see what the price of gasoline looks like, the benefit for oil producers and workers in those industries is significant,” when discussing gas prices on CNBC. North Dakota is not expected to see increased production until 2027.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Hassett’s flippant remarks prove one thing: when Trump administration officials retire at night, they’re thinking about how to help corporations, not people like you and me. What working families are facing isn’t just a pinch at the pump—it’s a punch in the gut. Gas prices are through the roof because Trump and JD Vance started an illegal war that they don’t know how to end. And you and I are paying the price.”

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

“Republican Lawmakers who voted against school meals need to be voted out,” Dem-NPL Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2026

FARGO – Today, Together for School Meals turned in over 57,000 signatures from North Dakotans to put a measure on the November ballot that, if passed, would guarantee that all K-12 public schools provide one free breakfast and lunch to all students

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “This election, voters will have a chance to finally do what Republican legislators refused to do for years. But voters should also send a message to those Republicans by voting them out. They have been ignoring the overwhelming will of North Dakota families. If your Republican legislators voted against school meals, the only way to hold them accountable now is to vote them out of office. Over and over, Dem-NPL lawmakers have supported free school meals, and now, with candidates running in nearly every district in the state, voters have a choice to support them.”

History of School Meal Bills

2021

2021 HB 1413: Introduced by Rep. LaurieBeth Hager, this bill originally appropriated $89,500,000 for school meals, but was amended to become a legislative management study regarding public school nutritional resources. It passed the House, but was defeated in the Senate

House Vote: 70 YEAS, 24 NAYS, 0 EXCUSED, 0 ABSENT AND NOT VOTING.

YEAS: Adams; Anderson, B.; Anderson, D.; Anderson, P.; Beltz; Boe; Bosch; Boschee; Brandenburg; Buffalo; Cory; Devlin; Dobervich; Dockter; Fisher; Guggisberg; Hager; Hagert; Hanson; Hatlestad; Headland; Heinert; Ista; Johnson, D.; Johnson, M.; Jones; Karls; Kasper; Keiser; Kempenich; Kiefert; Klemin; Kreidt; Lefor; Longmuir; Louser; Martinson; Meier; Mitskog; Mock; Monson; Nathe; Nehring; Nelson, J.; Nelson, M.; O’Brien; Ostlie; Owens; Paur; Pollert; Porter; Pyle; Richter; Roers Jones; Ruby, D.; Sanford; Satrom; Schauer; Schmidt; Schneider; Schobinger; SchreiberBeck; Stemen; Strinden; Thomas; Trottier; Vigesaa; Weisz; Westlind; Zubke

NAYS: Becker; Bellew; Christensen; Damschen; Delzer; Ertelt; Fegley; Hoverson; Howe; Kading; Koppelman, B.; Magrum; Marschall; Paulson; Rohr; Ruby, M.; Schatz; Simons; Skroch; Steiner; Toman; Tveit; Vetter; Speaker Koppelman, K.

Senate Vote: 9 YEAS, 37 NAYS, 0 EXCUSED, 1 ABSENT AND NOT VOTING

YEAS: Bakke; Heckaman; Hogan; Larsen, D.; Marcellais; Mathern; Oban; Piepkorn; Weber

NAYS: Anderson; Bekkedahl; Bell; Burckhard; Clemens; Conley; Dever; Dwyer; Elkin; Erbele; Fors; Heitkamp; Hogue; Holmberg; Kannianen; Klein; Krebsbach; Kreun; Larsen, O.; Larson, D.; Lee; Lemm; Luick; Meyer; Myrdal; Oehlke; Patten; Poolman; Roers, J.; Roers, K.; Rust; Schaible; Sorvaag; Vedaa; Wanzek; Wardner; Wobbema

ABSENT AND NOT VOTING: Davison

2023
2023 HB 1491: Introduced by Rep. LaurieBeth Hager, this bill originally appropriated $89,500,000 for school meals, but was amended to fund $6,000,000 wort of school meal grants. It passed the House, but failed by one vote in the Senate.

House Vote: 80 YEAS, 11 NAYS, 0 EXCUSED, 3 ABSENT AND NOT VOTING.

YEAS: Anderson, B.; Anderson, D.; Anderson, K.; Bahl; Beltz; Bosch; Boschee; Brandenburg; Christy; Conmy; Cory; Dakane; Davis; Dobervich; Dockter; Dyk; Fegley; Finley-DeVille; Fisher; Frelich; Grueneich; Hager; Hagert; Hanson; Hatlestad; Hauck; Headland; Heinert; Holle; Ista; Johnson, J.; Jonas; Karls; Kasper; Kiefert; Klemin; Koppelman; Kreidt; Lefor; Longmuir; Louser; Marschall; Martinson; McLeod; Meier; Mitskog; Mock; Monson; Murphy; Nathe; Nelson; Novak; O’Brien; Olson, J.; Olson, S.; Porter; Pyle; Richter; Rios; Roers Jones; Rohr; Ruby, M.; Sanford; Satrom; Schatz; Schauer; Schneider; Schobinger; Schreiber-Beck; Steiner; Stemen; Strinden; Swiontek; Thomas; Toman; Vetter; Vigesaa; Warrey; Weisz; Speaker Johnson, D.

NAYS: Bellew; Christensen; Heilman; Henderson; Hoverson; Motschenbacher; Prichard; Ruby, D.; Timmons; Tveit; VanWinkle

ABSENT AND NOT VOTING: Kempenich; Ostlie; Wagner

Senate Vote: 23 YEAS, 24 NAYS, 0 EXCUSED, 0 ABSENT AND NOT VOTING

YEAS: Axtman; Barta; Bekkedahl; Braunberger; Cleary; Conley; Davison; Dever; Dwyer; Elkin; Hogan; Kessel; Krebsbach; Larson; Mathern; Meyer; Patten; Piepkorn; Roers, K.; Rummel; Sickler; Sorvaag; Weber

NAYS: Beard; Boehm; Burckhard; Clemens; Erbele; Estenson; Hogue; Kannianen; Klein; Kreun; Larsen; Lee; Lemm; Luick; Magrum; Myrdal; Paulson; Roers, J.; Rust; Schaible; Vedaa; Wanzek; Weston; Wobbema

2025
2025 HB 1553: Introduced again by Rep. LaurieBeth Hager, was one of two school meal bills in the Regular Session. This bill would have used the legacy fund to pay for universal school meals.

House Vote: 14 YEAS, 75 NAYS, 0 EXCUSED, 5 ABSENT AND NOT VOTING.

YEAS: Brown; Conmy; Dobervich; Finley-DeVille; Foss; Hager; Hanson; Hendrix; Ista; Jonas; Mitskog; Rios; Schneider; Steiner

NAYS: Anderson, B.; Anderson, D.; Anderson, K.; Bahl; Beltz; Berg; Bolinske; Bosch; Brandenburg; Christianson; Dockter; Fegley; Fisher; Frelich; Grindberg; Grueneich; Hagert; Hatlestad; Hauck; Headland; Heilman; Heinert; Henderson; Holle; Hoverson; Johnson, J.; Johnston, D.; Karls; Kasper; Kempenich; Kiefert; Klemin; Koppelman; Lefor; Longmuir; Maki; Marschall; Martinson; McLeod; Meier; Monson; Morton; Motschenbacher; Murphy; Nathe; Nehring; Nelson; Novak; O’Brien; Olson, J.; Olson, S.; Osowski; Ostlie; Porter; Pyle; Richter; Rohr; Ruby, D.; Ruby, M.; Sanford; Satrom; Schatz; Schauer; Stemen; Swiontek; Toman; Tveit; VanWinkle; Vetter; Vigesaa; Vollmer; Wagner; Warrey; Weisz; Wolff

ABSENT AND NOT VOTING: Christy; Davis; Dressler; Louser; Schreiber-Beck

2025 HB 1475: Introduced by Patrick R. Hatlestad, This bill would have used the general fund to pay for universal school meals.

House Vote: 39 YEAS, 54 NAYS, 0 ABSENT OR EXCUSED AND NOT VOTING.

YEAS: Anderson, K.; Bahl; Beltz; Brown; Conmy; Davis; Dobervich; Dockter; Finley-DeVille; Foss; Frelich; Grindberg; Grueneich; Hager; Hanson; Hatlestad; Heilman; Hendrix; Holle; Ista; Johnston, D.; Jonas; Marschall; Martinson; McLeod; Meier; Mitskog; Novak; O’Brien; Olson, J.; Richter; Rios; Sanford; Satrom; Schatz; Schneider; Schreiber-Beck; Steiner; Swiontek

NAYS: Anderson, B.; Anderson, D.; Berg; Bolinske; Bosch; Brandenburg; Christianson; Dressler; Fegley; Fisher; Hagert; Hauck; Headland; Heinert; Henderson; Hoverson; Johnson, J.; Karls; Kasper; Kempenich; Kiefert; Klemin; Koppelman; Lefor; Longmuir; Louser; Maki; Monson; Morton; Motschenbacher; Murphy; Nathe; Nehring; Nelson; Olson, S.; Osowski; Ostlie; Porter; Pyle; Rohr; Ruby, D.; Ruby, M.; Schauer; Stemen; Toman; Tveit; VanWinkle; Vetter; Vigesaa; Vollmer; Wagner;
Warrey; Weisz; Wolff

2026
2026 HB 1624: Because it was clear that voters want free school meals and that a ballot measure was likely to pass, Rep. Mike Nathe introduced this bill.

Houes Vote: 55 YEAS, 38 NAYS, 1 ABSENT OR EXCUSED AND NOT VOTING.

YEAS: Anderson, B.; Anderson, D.; Bahl; Beltz; Berg; Bosch; Brandenburg; Brown, C.; Conmy; Davis; Dobervich; Dockter; Finley-DeVille; Foss; Grindberg; Grueneich; Hager; Hanson; Hatlestad; Heilman; Heinert; Hendrix; Holle; Ista; Jonas; Karls; Kempenich; Kiefert; Lefor; Longmuir; Marschall; Martinson; McLeod; McNally; Meier; Mitskog; Nathe; Nelson; Novak; Ostlie; Porter; Pyle; Richter; Ruby, M.; Sanford; Satrom; Schauer; Schneider; Steiner; Stemen; Swiontek; Toman; Wagner; Warrey; Weisz

NAYS: Anderson, K.; Bolinske; Christianson; Dressler; Fegley; Fisher; Frelich; Hagert; Hauck; Headland; Henderson; Hoverson; Johnson, J.; Johnston, D.; Kasper; Klemin; Koppelman; Louser; Maki; Monson; Morton; Motschenbacher; Murphy; Nehring; Olson; Osowski; Rios; Rohr; Ruby, D.; Schatz; Skroch; Timmons; Tveit; VanWinkle; Vetter; Vigesaa; Vollmer; Wolff

ABSENT OR EXCUSED AND NOT VOTING: Brown, T.

Senate Vote: 22 YEAS, 24 NAYS, 1 ABSENT OR EXCUSED AND NOT VOTING.

YEAS: Barta; Bekkedahl; Boschee; Braunberger; Burckhard; Cleary; Davison; Dever; Hogan; Kessel; Klein; Larson; Lee; Luick; Marcellais; Mathern; Patten; Roers; Rummel; Schaible; Sorvaag; Weber

NAYS: Beard; Boehm; Castaneda; Clemens; Conley; Cory; Dwyer; Enget; Erbele; Gerhardt; Hogue; Lemm; Magrum; Meyer; Myrdal; Paulson; Powers; Sickler; Thomas; Walen; Wanzek; Weston; Wobbema; van Oosting

ABSENT OR EXCUSED AND NOT VOTING: Axtman

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

Hammer to administer tip-off at New Town 4 Bears Roar Basketball Game

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 3, 2026

NEW TOWN – Congressional Candidate Trygve Hammer will administer the tip-off at the 4 Bears Roar game in New Town on Saturday, April 4.

4 Bears Roar will play the Grant County Redtails from Mattawa, WA. This is The Roar’s first season—they are part of The Basketball League (TBL).

What: 4 Bears Roar Game
Where: 4 Bears Event Center, 202 Frontage Road, New Town
When: Saturday, April 4, Doors open at 6pm, Tip off at 7pm

Trygve Hammer is a retired Marine Corps officer and a veteran of the Global War on Terror. In his civilian life, he’s taught 7-12 grade science in a rural school, worked on oil rigs in the Bakken, worked as an airline pilot, as a freight rail conductor, and as a counselor for Job Corps in Minot.

Braunberger, Lamb Condemn Trump Executive Order Attacking ND Election System


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

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com