Tag Archive for: Ray Holmberg

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]

Dem-NPL Statement on Ray Holmberg Plea

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 9, 2024

FARGO –Yesterday, Former State Senator Ray Holmberg (R-Grand Forks) pleaded guilty to traveling to Prague for the purpose of engaging in any illicit sexual contact with a child. It revealed distressing details about the case including that he traveled with someone to Prague in 2011, he paid a former UND student for sex for several years, and he once said “You’d be surprised what you can do with a 12-year-old boy.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “What Ray Holmberg did was disgusting and heinous. It’s a betrayal of our nation’s promise to protect its children that Holmberg has been able to gallivant about Grand Forks as if nothing happened.

That he travelled to Prague to rape children on the tax-payers’ dime is a betrayal to every North Dakotan. We have been patient in letting this case work its way through the justice system, but North Dakotans must be told who knew what Holmberg was doing and when they knew it.

While this is the most extreme case of a Republican lawmaker abusing their position, it is not the only one. Whether it’s 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 Party, led by a former prosecutor, is the party of law and order and we will always fight to protect children.”

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

Nico Rios embraced by fellow Republicans after harassing police during DUI arrest

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]

“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
[email protected]