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

Democratic-NPL House Leader Remarks on Rep. Josh Christy’s Death

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 19, 2025

BISMARCK, ND – Today, North Dakota Legislative Leadership announced that Representative Josh Christy (R-Fargo) passed away on February 18, 2025.

House Minority Leader Zac Ista expressed his sympathy on behalf of the Democratic-NPL caucus:

“Words cannot capture the immense loss we all feel in the Capitol. We extend our deepest condolences to Representative Josh Christy’s family and loved ones. We knew Josh to be an independent leader and the foremost technology policy expert in the Legislative Assembly. We will miss his warmth, wit, and candor. That he, a Republican, took time to share his impressive work on artificial intelligence policy with our Democratic-NPL joint caucus earlier this session is emblematic of his character and integrity. So, too, was his decision to give the gift of life to others through organ donation. Please join us in keeping the Christy family in your thoughts and prayers.”

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

Dem-NPL chair opposes HB 1446

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 6, 2024

FARGO, ND – North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn released the following statement about HB 1446:

“Just because the Republican good ol’ boys network can’t be bothered to organize supporters to show up to district conventions doesn’t mean we need a new big government solution that disrupts decades of North Dakota election law.

HB 1446 sets up an unnecessary barrier for legislative candidates and could dissuade new candidates from running. This bill wouldn’t expel the extremists in the Republican Caucus who harass cops (Rep. Nico Rios), put women in jail for miscarriages (Rep Lori Van Winkle), and encourage the president to take over another country (Rep Jared Hendrix).

It is a lack of strong leadership in the Republican supermajority that has created the vacuum that allows these time-wasting and harmful bills to be considered. The Dem-NPL remains focused on the important work of reducing property taxes, making sure our students are fed and our public schools fully funded, and reducing the cost of housing.”

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

Dem-NPL Chair Reacts to Cop-harassing Republican Lawmaker Posting “Wonder if the CIA would help Trump overthrow and kick this Jew out of power in Mexico?”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 3, 2024

FARGO, ND – Williston Representative Nico Rios (R-23) posted, “Wonder if the CIA would help Trump overthrow and kick this Jew out of power in Mexico?” on social media.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “As a Jew myself, I’m not personally hurt by Nico Rios’ bigoted comments about Mexico’s Jewish President Claudia Scheinbaim. Time after time after time he shows us that he does not believe in North Dakota values of individual liberty, loving your neighbors, or the rule of law.

We know Nico Rios is a law-breaker and a bigot. We learned that when we called on him to resign last year when he insulted a police officer in a drunken tirade. Now we will find out who the people of Williston are. As a Fargoan, I could not be more proud of the Dem-NPL legislators who represent me; are the people of Williston proud of theirs? Is the Republican Party proud? Is this who they are? If not, what will they do about it?”

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

Trump’s illegal freezing of federal funds will harm North Dakotans, says Dem-NPL Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 28, 2024

FARGO, ND – President Donald Trump has illegally frozen all federal grants and loan disbursement.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Over the past two weeks, we have seen what the new American oligarchy looks like: tax cuts and Nazi salutes for Elon Musk and a halt to cancer treatments for your children; pardoning of cop-killing January 6 insurrectionists while sending immigration agents to harass Native Americans; it freezes federal grant funds that support faith groups, farmers, social workers, nurses, and hardworking Americans but doesn’t stop procurements for aerospace, military contractors, or big pharmaceutical companies; it cuts off aid to allies like Ukraine while threatening war against allies like Denmark and Panama. Democrats nationwide have opposed this agenda for a decade; it is time for Americans from across the political spectrum to unite to break the oligarchy that has seized control of our nation.”

Goldwyn continued, “How much of our current budget outlook is based on money Armstrong believed we’ll get from the federal government? Federal grants are lifelines for our homeless shelters, our local infrastructure, and our seniors. They are decimating our federal government, and it will harm North Dakotans for generations.”

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

Trump Wrong on Wind Energy – ND Delegation must push back, says Dem-NPL Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 7, 2025

FARGO, ND – Today, President-elect Donald Trump claimed that his administration would block any new wind turbines saying, “We’re gonna try and have a policy where no windmills are being built.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “He’s not even President yet, and Donald Trump is already putting the livelihoods of hundreds of North Dakotans at risk by demanding that the important work they do be completely stopped. Wind is the second largest electricity-generating source in North Dakota.

Wind turbine service technician is the fastest growing job in the United States, and North Dakota has the most wind energy-related jobs per capita in the country. Barring North Dakota landowners from building wind turbines would block them from potentially life-changing income and trample on their freedoms.

North Dakota’s congressional delegation, particularly new Energy and Commerce Committee member Julie Fedorchak, must defend these valued folks and the jobs they hold. The North Dakota congressional delegation, including Senators Hoeven and Cramer, like to talk a big game about having influence in the new administration. Now is the perfect time for them to prove it by publicly stepping up and loudly proclaiming that Donald Trump is wrong for wanting to destroy the lives of hundreds of North Dakotans.”

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