FARGO – The Cass County Democratic-NPL will host an Election Night party for the primary election on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Kingpinz, 3485 Jacks Way, Fargo ND 58104 from 7:30 – 10:30 PM. A number of Democratic-NPL candidates are expected to attend.
CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 3, 2024
FARGO – On Saturday, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts performed in Fargo at Scheels Arena. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member donned a “Hammer for Congress” pin.
Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “In addition to loving rock’n’roll, Joan Jett loves Trygve Hammer. And next Tuesday, I’ll be proud to cast my vote for Trygve on June 11. As his campaign continues, I know that North Dakotans will see what Joan Jett sees—that Trygve is a man of integrity, a patriot who served his country honorably in the Marine Corps and will continue to do so in congress.”
CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]
FARGO — Today, Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts in felony charges of falsifying business records regarding hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.
North Dakota Democratic-NPL spokeswomen Laura Dronen remarked, “No one is above the rule of law, that includes Former Presidents. Donald Trump chose to engage in criminal activity, and his choice should upset all Americans no matter their political stripe.
It’s also been disappointing—and frankly infuriating—to see folks like Doug Burgum, Kelly Armstrong, Julie Fedorchak, and Rick Becker stumbling over themselves to suck up to a man who’s been found liable for sexual assault, paid off a porn star he slept with while his wife was pregnant, tried to overthrow an election, and is now a convicted felon. It’s not a badge of honor to be tied to this man, it’s shameful.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2024
FARGO – The North Dakota Young Republicans announced several lawmakers who will be in attendance at their Spring Gala, notable among them is Representative Nico Rios. In December Rios was arrested for driving under the influence. During the arrest the Williston Republican hurled racist and homophobic slurs at police officers. Not only did the North Dakota Democratic-NPL call on him to resign, his own GOP district leadership did as well.
The NDGOP seems to have changed its tune, however, as the event highlights the opportunity to meet Rios alongside Senator Kevin Cramer, GOP Congressional Candidates Rick Becker and Alex Balasz, Public Service Commissioner Randy Christmann, and other Republican lawmakers.
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “The lack of accountability from North Dakota Republican Leadership is horrendous. From sexually assaulting minors to crooked real estate deals to homophobic and racist slurs, the Republican Party doesn’t just turn the other cheek, they embrace this behavior. If you want a party that respects the law, it’s time to vote for the Dem-NPL.”
Earlier this week Representative Claire Cory (R-Grand Forks) was also arrested for driving under the influence. On Thursday, Representative Jason Dockter (R-Bismarck) will be sentenced for his criminal conflict-of-interest charge.
CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 3, 2024
BISMARCK – Representative Jason Dockter (R-Bismarck) was found guilty of a criminal conflict-of-interest charge today. The conflict-of-interest charge stemmed from the lease of a Bismarck building to the Attorney General’s Office under former Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Dockter became part owner of the building after the lease agreement was signed. The building resulted in a cost-overrun of over $1 million.
House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) stated, “Representative Dockter must resign after a jury convicted him of using his public office for personal gain. He has the right to appeal his conviction, but he should step aside from the privilege of serving in the Legislature. All North Dakotans deserve elected officials who are acting only in the best interests of the citizens of our great state.”
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn went further, saying, “From Ray Holmberg, to Nico Rios, to Jason Dockter, and to Donald Trump, today’s Republican Party is full of crooks. This is a great day for justice. Let this be a warning to anyone who thinks they can use an elected office to enrich themselves and deceive the American public: No one is above the law. If you want a party that respects the law, it’s time to vote for the Dem-NPL.”
CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 2, 2024
Fargo – Today is the second anniversary of the leak of the Supreme Court’s decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which opened the floodgates to Trump’s extreme abortion bans across the country.
Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “Two years ago today, women across North Dakota learned that our trigger law would lead to a total abortion ban. Republican lawmakers are steamrolling reproductive freedom here. Drew Wrigley wants to know if you or a loved one have gone out of state to seek an abortion. Rick Becker and Julie Fedorchak want to take this national and rip away the rights of every woman in America. Some in the NDGOP even want to charge women with murder. Our Democratic NPL candidates want to restore and protect reproductive freedom and health privacy. Merrill Piepkorn, Katrina Christiansen, and Trygve Hammer believe medical decisions should be between patients and doctors, not politicians and their constituents.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 23, 2024
BISMARCK – Former North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Bob Valeu will receive the Governors Legacy of Leadership Award at the 7th Annual Democratic-NPL Governors Dinner.
Valeu has devoted years of his life to the North Dakota Democratic-NPL including as Executive Director from 1966 to 1969 and Party Chair from 2013 to 2015. Valeu served as State Director for U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan from 1993 to 2008. He is currently the Chair of the Bismarck-Mandan Democratic-NPL.
Former Dem-NPL Gubernatorial Candidate and State Senator Joe Satrom remarked, “Bob is a well grounded progressive thinker with diverse personal and interpersonal skills that have been critically important to electing Democrats over many decades. His thoughtful nature and energetic, strategic approach to organizing and leading our Democratic-NPL Party and Valeu-led campaigns have earned wide respect throughout the State.”
The dinner will feature keynote speaker Ken Martin, who is the Chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, President of the Association of State Democratic Committees, and a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Tickets are available at: https://swift-cpa.net/donate/2024governorsdinner
CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 22, 2024
FARGO — On Saturday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to provide around $60 million in aid to support Ukraine. All the Democrats present and 101 Republicans voted for the bill, however, a notable “nay” was North Dakota Representative and Gubernatorial candidate Kelly Armstrong.
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Rep. Armstrong’s vote against Ukraine aid is cowardly. The fight to protect democracy isn’t a metaphor for the brave Ukrainians fighting against Putin’s invasion. This war is deeply personal for me—my mother-in-law and father-in-law live in Kyiv. How do I tell my own family that my representative doesn’t have the backbone to stand up for them? Armstrong is putting American and Ukrainian lives on the line as he grovels to extremists in the Republican Party. We need to elect folks like Trygve Hammer and Katrina Christiansen to Congress who will support our allies.”
CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 17, 2024
BISMARCK — Nicole Donaghy will receive the Hometown Hero award at the 7th Annual Democratic-NPL Governors Dinner on Saturday, April 27 at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck.
Donaghy is a Hunkpapa Lakota from Standing Rock Nation, she is also a descendant of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nations, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. Donaghy is the Executive Director of North Dakota Native Vote. She’s a staunch champion for voting rights and political representation, particularly for Native American communities in North Dakota. Recognizing the systemic barriers that have historically disenfranchised Indigenous voters, Donaghy has been at the forefront of efforts to protect and expand access to the ballot box.
Democratic-NPL Vice Chair and ND Representative Lisa Finley-DeVille (D-Mandaree) remarked, “In a world where our voices are often silenced, my fellow sister and I fearlessly worked to take on the injustices that our people face. Together we’ve worked on holding polluters accountable, continue to fight for clean air and water standards, educating our people on the injustices brought forth on our lands, and building power for Native communities in North Dakota. It’s the tireless dedication of everyday citizens like Nicole, who believe in the power of collective action to create meaningful change. In the trenches of our communities, she worked to sow the seeds of progress, cultivating a future where justice, equality, and opportunity flourish. A natural grassroots organizer, her passion fuels the engine of democracy, and your commitment paves the road to a brighter tomorrow.”
The dinner will feature keynote speaker Ken Martin, who is the Chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, President of the Association of State Democratic Committees, and a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Tickets are available at: https://swift-cpa.net/donate/2024governorsdinner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 16, 2024
BISMARCK — Logan Longtin of Minot will receive the “Young Democrats” award at the 7th Annual Democratic-NPL Governors Dinner. The dinner is Saturday, April 27 from 6 – 8:30 PM at the North Dakota Heritage Center.
Originally from Williston, Longtin moved to Minot after graduating from UND. Longtin has worked as an organizer for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL and currently the chair of the Souris Valley Dems. Longtin now works as an English Teacher at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.
U.S. House Candidate Trygve Hammer said, “Logan Longtin’s energy and his dedication to the Souris Valley Dem-NPL have resulted in a five-fold increase in active membership, which continues to grow under his leadership. Logan has earned this recognition, and we Souris Valley Dems are proud to be associated with him.”
The dinner will feature keynote speaker Ken Martin, who is the Chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, President of the Association of State Democratic Committees, and a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Tickets are available at https://swift-cpa.net/donate/2024governorsdinner
CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 15, 2024
GRAND FORKS – Former Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota Lloyd Omdahl has died at age 93. Omdahl was appointed as North Dakota Tax Commissioner after the death of J. Arther Engen in 1963, and was appointed Lieutenant Governor after the death of Ruth Meiers in 1987.
U.S. Senate Candidate Katrina Christiansen said, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Lt. Gov. Lloyd Omdahl. His dedication to public service and his impact on North Dakota will not be forgotten. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Lt. Governor Candidate Patrick Hart remarked, “Lloyd always thought the legacy fund will be tapped and if so it should be used for societal good such as health care or education.”
Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) said, “He was a true statesman. He studied issues thoroughly, asked pertinent questions and spoke respectfully to everyone. He loved a good debate on issues and encouraged us to disagree or question his opinions which I did often. Mostly he loved North Dakota, both the land and the people.”
Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said, “I have worked with Lloyd since first elected to the Senate in 1986 and kept in regular contact until his death at age 93. He was a master at running the ND Senate. He had a way with the rules to assure that a tie between Republicans and Democrats did not let us stalemate like today’s Congress. I think Lloyd’s greatest achievement for North Dakota was his melding of political science and journalism. If democracy survives it is journalism regarding politics that will be our saving grace. Professor Omdahl also possessed a deep religious faith. He never wore it on his sleeve but it guided his ethics in all of his professions. A party in heaven tonight for sure.”
Former Dem-NPL Chair Bob Valeu remarked, “Lloyd was a dear friend. He was my political mentor dating back to 1965. I worked for Lloyd when he served as Tax Commissioner. Lloyd genuinely believed in a representative government. He was a dedicated public servant and worked tirelessly toward perfecting our democracy. Even in his later years he and I would visit, and his advice was uplifting, positive, and right on target. Lloyd was a remarkable figure in North Dakota’s political landscape, he has left an indelible mark on the state. His legacy is one of a dedicated public servant, educator, and writer, and will be remembered by many.”
Gary Holm, who worked in the Link administration wrote, “A friend since 1965, Lloyd was an outstanding public servant, a great professor and a talented columnist. Author of “The Insurgents” about the Dem-NPL merger, he was an early leader and activist in the party. He will be missed by many who knew him and read his column.”
CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2024
FARGO – At the end of the filing deadline yesterday there were seven total candidates for running in the June 11 primary for the U.S. House—five on the Republican side and two on the Democratic-NPL ticket.
“After a unifying convention, Democrats stand strong with our endorsed candidates. We want to quash any notion that we support anyone other than Trygve Hammer. Trygve represents what is best about our Peace Garden State: he served our country in uniform, worked in the oil fields, and taught in our rural schools. He is also right on the issues: he is THE pro-choice, pro-union, pro-democracy candidate in this race. I am casting my vote in the June 11th primary and the November 5th general elections for Trygve, and I encourage not just every Democrat, but every Republican and independent who is tired of the anger and dysfunction in our politics to join me,” affirmed Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn.
Originally from Velva, Hammer served as a helicopter pilot, a forward air controller, a Military attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, and as an instructor and company officer at the U.S. Naval Academy. He deployed to Iraq in 2003 as an infantry officer and forward air controller. In 2010, he retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a major.
In his civilian life, Hammer taught 7-12 grade science in Granville, worked as roughneck on oil rigs in the Bakken, and currently is a counselor for Job Corps in Minot.
CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]
Paid for and authorized by the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. Not authorized by any candidates or candidate's committee.