Tag Archive for: Democratic-NPL

Joan Jett sports “Hammer for Congress” pin during Fargo Concert

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

“Dockter must resign,” says Dem-NPL House Leader

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

Bob Valeu to receive Governors Legacy of Leadership Award

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

Biden wins all pledged national delegates for the North Dakota Democratic Presidential Primary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 30, 2024

FARGO, ND –

President Joe Biden has won the North Dakota Democratic Presidential Primary with over 92% of the vote.

Joe Biden – 840 – 92.41%
Eban Cambridge – 4 – 0.44%
Stephen P. Lyons – 3 – 0.33%
Dean Phillips – 16 – 1,76%
Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato – 0 – 0%
Marianne Williamson – 31 – 3.41%
Jason Palmer – 2 – 0.22%
Cenk Uygur – 13 – 1.43%

Spreadsheet with breakdown of votes on Legislative District Level

15 pledged delegates will be allotted to President Biden. North Dakota will send 19 total delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. DNC National Delegate applications are due April 2, 2024, and elections will occur at the ND. Delegates must declare which presidential candidate they support in their application.

The application is available here.

North Dakota is one of just a handful of states where the political parties run the presidential primary process. The North Dakota Democratic-NPL worked with the Merriman River Group to facilitate the primary.

“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

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

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

Giant of Valley City, Former Dem-NPL Senator Larry Robinson Passes Away

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 4, 2025

VALLEY CITY – Former State Senator Larry Robinson passed away on Wednesday, September 3rd. He served in the North Dakota Senate from 1989 to 2020 where he was a member of the Higher Education Committee and the Appropriations Committee. Robinson was a staunch advocate for higher education. Robinson received myriad honors and awards throughout his life, including the 2020 North Dakota Democratic NPL Governor’s Legacy of Leadership Award.

Former U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy said, “Larry and I were at Valley City State College together; I had a hunch at the time he would make a significant contribution to North Dakota and he certainly did. During Larry’s tenure, Valley City had encountered many needs; he was a force of nature in fighting for the response required. We will miss this great legislator and warm community leader, and we salute a life very well lived. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp remarked, “Anyone who ever met Larry met a friend. Big personality but bigger heart. North Dakota has lost a great leader.”

Former District 24 Legislatore Phil Mueller said, “We don’t know why Larry was taken from us. God will have to reveal that in his time. We do know that Larry was compassionate, empathetic, cared deeply, and loved without reservation. He truly cared about the lost, the least, and the last. Larry didn’t win all the battles in the legislature or in life but he always worked and fought harder than anyone else. He didn’t always win but he was always a winner. It was a joy and privilege to serve and work with Larry Robinson. His vision, his work ethic, and his passion will be missed by all.”

Former ND Democratic-NPL Chair and State Representative Kylie Oversen said, “Senator Robinson was a giant in North Dakota politics. When I was first elected, he was welcoming and provided mentorship and guidance to me and other younger members. And when I took on leadership roles as a young person, he supported and encouraged me. His advocacy for higher education was second to none. Larry believed deeply in the community of Valley City and the university that he so loved and he went to bat for them whenever he was given the chance. His stalwart leadership and love for his community and family will be remembered fondly for years to come.”

Former U.S. Attorney and State Senate Minority Leader Mac Schneider remarked, “Larry Robinson was a giant of the North Dakota Senate with a giant-sized heart to match. In addition to his support for working people, students, and higher education, he was a pioneer in making treatment available to North Dakotans suffering from the disease of addiction. Larry and I were at breakfast together a number of years ago when a waitress walked up to our table and thanked him personally for his advocacy in providing the treatment options she credited with saving her life. She is just one of thousands of North Dakotans who have breathed a little bit easier thanks to Senator Robinson’s remarkable service over the decades. I will miss him.”

Former State Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman said, “Sen. Robinson was a dedicated legislator and educator but top on his list of accomplishments is that he was the BEST family man. He made sure we all knew how proud he was of his family, and especially those grandchildren. When he came back to his seat in the Senate Chamber after the weekend, he had a story to tell all of us about those grandchildren. So PROUD!! And Senator Robinson was always working for his community, college, the higher ed system, and his state. He was highly respected for his work on the many committees, task forces, and boards he served on. When the Senator stood to address the Senate Chamber with his booming voice, all listened and valued his words. Dewey and I are deeply saddened by his passing but we are so fortunate we had the opportunity to know him and see the evidence of his work left for all of us to remember. Sending Mary Lee and family our deepest sympathy.”

Former State Senator Erin Oban said, “Larry was a genuinely good, generous, and gracious man. His dedication to public service and to public education was second only to his love for and commitment to his family. Larry’s kindness and empathy, good-natured humor, big, booming voice, and true statesmanship have been absent from the North Dakota Senate chamber for some years now, and his death leaves both a great legacy but deep loss for all who knew, loved, and were well-served by him.”

Former State Senator Tom Seymour was assigned as Senator Larry Robinson’s mentee when he entered the North Dakota State Senate in 2003. He remarked, “Senator Larry Robinson was an amazing leader and mentor – he taught me that you had to work with both sides of the Senate Chamber to get things done.”

Former State Senator Jim Dotzenrod said, “I was saddened to learn of the passing of former ND State Senator Larry Robinson. Larry Robinson was a builder, a positive life force whose integrity, character, and humor lifted up virtually everyone who met and got to know him. He had gift for sincerely and enthusiastically advocating for the things he believed were good for the state of North Dakota, for Valley City, and for education generally and Valley City State University particularly. It was an honor for me to work with him in the ND State Senate and a personal privilege to count him as a trusted friend who was always guided by principles and values that were of the highest order. My sympathies to the Robinson family. He will be greatly missed.”

Former State Representative Ben Vig said, “Larry had a positive impact on every part of Valley City and VCSU. He worked tirelessly on flood fights for teachers, public employees, and agriculture. He grew up in Kidder County and taught in Warwick before VCSU.”

Hunter Heck, District 24 2nd State Policy Representative, “As a student at VCSU and political nerd, I had the amazing chance to talk to Senator Robinson at his office on numerous occasions. It was usually about politics, given his years of experience in the Senate and VCSU. I asked Larry one day, ‘what was the proudest piece of legislation?’. He replied with lots of projects he had helped fund on the Appropriations committee but one stuck with him the most; the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon. To me, Larry was one of North Dakota’s greatest legislators who not only helped his community and district, but the state as a whole. I was fortunate to call him my friend and a political mentor that I’ll be forever grateful for. Rest in peace Larry.”

2024 District 24 Candidate Nancy Farnham said, “Larry was a warm and caring person who made everyone feel welcomed and supported. His positive energy was truly contagious, and it was felt in every room he entered. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to work with him during this last campaign season—his kindness and spirit left a lasting impact.”

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

On 105th Anniversary of Ratification of 19th Amendment, a Woman’s Right to Vote is Under Threat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 18, 2025

FARGO – 105 years ago today, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote. While this right was thus enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, many states used poll taxes and literacy tests to block Black Women and Americans of other minority groups from voting. Native Americans and Asian Americans were not recognized as U.S. citizens until the Snyder Act of 1924 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, respectively.

This sacred right, which most take as a given, is now being called into question by some with close access to the Trump Administration. Earlier this month, Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reposted a video of his pastor saying women shouldn’t have the right to vote. Hegseth’s pastor also said, “Women are the kind of people that people come out of. It doesn’t take any talent to simply reproduce biologically.”

Democratic-NPL Executive Director Cheryl Biller said, “Virtually all Americans believe in a woman’s right to vote, and think that suffragettes like Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Ida B. Wells have earned their place as heroes in the story of our country. But now, with people in this administration promoting the idea of abolishing the 19th Amendment, it’s time to ring the alarm. The Voting Rights Act has been under attack since its inception, but the Trump administration has taken the assault on our voting rights even further. Trump wants to eliminate vote-by-mail, which will hurt rural North Dakotans, older folks, and those with disabilities. The Democratic-NPL will continue to honor the legacy of the Women’s Suffrage Movement by calling out those who want to take us backwards and fighting to protect the fundamental right of every citizen to vote.”

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

For 90 Years, Social Security has Helped Americans Retire with Dignity—now it’s Under Unprecedented Attack

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 14, 2025

FARGO – 90 years ago today, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act as part of the New Deal. Social Security has lifted more people out of poverty than any other program and has provided financial stability for millions of working families.

Democratic-NPL Executive Director Cheryl Biller said, “Millions of Americans have been able to retire with dignity thanks to Social Security. It’s a sacred promise to our seniors that you deserve economic security in your golden years. But 90 years on, Social Security is under a vicious and unprecedented attack by Trump. With the help of billionaires like Elon Musk and Scott Bessent and the blessing of Hoeven, Cramer, and Fedorchak, he has already slashed Social Security staff by half, cut phone services, and closed field offices. This just makes it more difficult for rural Americans to access the benefits they worked so long and hard for, the benefits due them. While Republican lawmakers salivate over the idea of completely privatizing Social Security, the North Dakota Democratic-NPL will keep on fighting tooth and nail to protect and strengthen it.”

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