Tag Archive for: North Dakota

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
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

President Jimmy Carter Dies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 29, 2024

FARGO, ND – Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. He was the 39th President of the United States.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Jimmy Carter represents the American Dream. A peanut farmer from rural Georgia ascending to the highest office in the land is a testament to our democracy.

Carter’s devotion to this nation continued long after his 4 years as president. Along with his wife Rosalynn, he built thousands of homes through Habitat for Humanity and advocated for human rights and peace around the world. His honesty, integrity, faith, and commitment to improving the lives of working Americans is a model for us all.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

North Dakota loses prolific writer Tony Bender

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 26, 2024

FARGO, ND – Ashley Tribune and Wishek Star Publisher and writer Tony Bender passed away Sunday.

Democratic-NPL Communications Director Laura Dronen said, “For decades Tony has been a standard bearer of progressive values in rural North Dakota. He fearlessly shared his witticisms and criticisms in a time and place where many choose silence. It was disappointing to learn last week that his column would no longer appear in the state’s largest print outlet. America is perilously close to the cliff-face of authoritarianism—permanently losing Tony’s voice at this moment is a gut-punch.

We are heartbroken for Tony’s family (especially India and Dylan) and we mourn with everyone who will miss Tony’s humor and writings.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Democratic-NPL Chair reacts to VP Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 1, 2024

FARGO – Tuesday night, Governor Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance debated on CBS.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn released this statement following the debate:

“Political preferences aside, every Upper-midwestern should be proud of Gov. Tim Walz. Walz has devoted his life to public education, and ran for office after his students encouraged him. JD Vance on the other hand has been groomed by Silicon Valley types to do their bidding in Congress: to give massive handouts to billionaires and big corporations and give Trump unprecedented, unchecked power to do whatever he wants. Vance wrote a book foreword for the architect of the Project 2025 agenda, calling on far-right extremists to ‘circle the wagons and load the muskets’ while praising the Project 2025 agenda as an ‘essential weapon,’ and tried to hide his extremism behind lie after lie after lie. Governor Walz was right: all Vance could do was ‘give a damn non-answer’ to even the most basic questions.

Walz passed the largest bipartisan infrastructure bill in Minnesota history, cracked down on junk fees to lower costs for Minnesota families, stood up for fundamental freedoms, and made Minnesota the first state to pass a law codifying abortion rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe and stripped tens of millions of Americans of the right to make their own medical decisions.

We saw a clear distinction between these two men tonight: one will lie to you for Donald Trump and one will fight for you and your family. Upper-midwesterners are lucky to have a role model like Walz.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Former ND Young Republicans Vice Chair, son of District 24 GOP Candidate arrested for alleged involvement in Jan 6 U.S. Capitol Mob

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 30, 2024

FARGO – KFGO reported today that Damian Johnston, the former North Dakota Young Republicans Vice Chair and son of District 24 Republican House Candidate Dan Johnston was arrested for allegedly participating in the mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

In photos included in the criminal complaint, Johnston could be seen speaking into what “appears to be a microphone” and using a flip phone to film and take photos from within the U.S. Capitol Building.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “January 6 was one of the darkest days in modern American history. Obeying Donald Trump’s orders, MAGA criminals ransacked the Capitol, imperiled democracy, and brutally assaulted law enforcement officers. US Capital Police Officer Brian Sicknick was killed—four others died by suicide following the riot. These rioters should all be held accountable in a court of law. Every single Republican running for office should be denouncing Johnston’s actions.”

In addition to running for District 24 House, Johnston’s father gave the nominating speech for Senator Kevin Cramer at the North Dakota Republican Convention. Johnston’s mother seconded the nomination for Kelly Armstrong for Governor.

Goldwyn continued, “Will Kevin Cramer and Kelly Armstrong denounce Johnston’s actions or will they stand by the far-right radicals they have embraced since January 6? As the Vice Chairman of the North Dakota Young Republicans, Johnston would have had an influential role in building up young NDGOP candidates and lawmakers. District 10 Republican House Candidate Jared Hendrix and District 42 State Representative Claire Cory have been active in the North Dakota Young Republicans–did they know about and do they condone Johnston’s actions?

Whether it’s Ray Holmberg traveling to Prague with intentions to rape children, Nico Rios drunkenly harassing police officers, Jason Dockter being convicted for profiting from taxpayer funds, Emily O’Brien’s alleged illegally lobbying, Claire Cory drinking and driving, or out-on-bail felon Donald Trump’s long list of crimes, Republicans think that they are above the law. Voters have a clear choice this election: the Republican Party is the party of criminals, the Democratic-NPL is the party of law and order.”

Regarding the District 24 race specifically, Goldwyn said, “The choice in this election is clear: Democrats like Nancy Farnham, Shawn Olauson, and Pete Gjovik stand firmly on the side of democracy, our police, and the rule of law. Dan Johnston, Dwight Keifert, and Mike Wobbema stand with un-American, unpatriotic, cop-killers.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

DNC Announces Five Figure Investment in the North Dakota Democratic-NPL for Final Push in November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 27, 2024

FARGO – Today, the Democratic National Committee announced nearly $40,000 in funding to the North Dakota Democratic-NPL as part of investments to dozens of states, reaching a cycle benchmark of targeted campaign investments in all 57 states and territories as we hit the final stretch for November’s elections.

Leveraging its record-breaking fundraising, this historic investment in dozens of state parties totals nearly $2.5 million in targeted resource deployment for the final stretch to November. These funds, allocated to both traditionally red and blue states, will help strengthen coordinated campaigns and boost Democratic wins in down-ballot races, like in North Dakota.

“The DNC is committed to electing Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, and ensuring Democrats are competing everywhere to offer residents of blue and red states alike a New Way Forward through investments up and down the ballot,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison.

“Today’s announced campaign investment in the North Dakota Democratic-NPL shows that priority in action. North Dakota Democratic-NPLers will ensure working families can get ahead, while standing up to Trump and Republicans’ extreme agenda to rip away Americans’ most fundamental rights. With Vice President Harris at the helm and record-breaking investments in coordinated campaigns, the DNC and Democratic state parties across the country have the momentum to strengthen coordinated operations in the critical final stretch to November to deliver wins for Democrats and all North Dakotans.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Showing up everywhere is critical for the success of the Democratic Party. We are incredibly grateful to receive these funds so we can spread our message that Democrats will fund our public schools, protect our reproductive freedom and health privacy, and fight to lower the costs of our healthcare and groceries. Expect to see more folks knocking on doors and making calls across our state!”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Dem-NPL statement on North Dakota judge vacating state abortion ban

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 12, 2024

FARGO – Today, a judge vacated North Dakota’s abortion ban, finding the law unconstitutionally vague and an infringement on medical freedom.

In response to Judge to South Central Judicial District Court Judge Bruce Romanick’s decision, Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn and Representative Karla Rose Hanson issued the following statements:

“North Dakotans deserve the freedom to start and grow their families on their own terms. While today’s ruling is a victory for women’s reproductive rights, this ban should have never been allowed in the first place and our freedoms are still at stake in 2024.” said Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn, “While Republicans claim to be the party of less government and individual liberty, they pass laws that put the most intimate and personal decisions in our lives in the hands of politicians. 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.”

“North Dakotans deserve the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions without interference from government extremists.” said Representative Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo), “This law was especially cruel for victims of sexual violence—providing a rape and incest exception but only within 6 weeks, before most women know they’re pregnant. It also put North Dakota doctors in legal jeopardy for treating emergencies; the resulting chilling effect was dangerous for patients.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Democratic-NPL Chair on VP Kamala Harris’ Decisive Debate Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 11, 2024

FARGO – Last night, Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump debated on ABC.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “Vice President Harris commanded the stage on every issue that matters to the American people, the difference between the candidates was stark: Trump could barely articulate a coherent thought, much less a coherent vision for the American people–instead spewing lies, conspiracy theories, and talking about himself. It was another day, another drama when Trump was in office—we can’t go back to that.

Kamala Harris spoke frequently about plans and policies, specifically she addressed what she called ‘an Opportunity Economy’ that would help working families. She and Tim Walz will work every day to protect reproductive rights and lower the costs of healthcare and groceries. They’ll make wealthy corporations and billionaires pay their fair share in taxes while cutting taxes for the middle class. Harris also stood up for economic issues that are important to us right here in North Dakota, including smart approaches to domestic oil production and fracking while still working to mitigate climate change.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]