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Welcome to the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Insider, a newsletter that features regular updates about upcoming Dem-NPL events, legislative happenings, and news that affects North Dakotans! If you would like to have something added to the newsletter, email us at [email protected]. Spread the word of our newsletter by sharing our sign-up link today: https://demnpl.com/join-our-newsletter/.
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Upcoming Events!
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District Conventions
February 6, 2024 – March 16, 2024
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Legislative Districts will have District Conventions between Feb 6 and March 16. See below or contact your District Chair for information about your district’s convention.
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All districts will elect delegates to the North Dakota Democratic-NPL State Convention.
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Even-numbered districts will nominate candidates for the North Dakota State House and Senate.
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Communications Committee Meeting
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Wednesday, March 6, 2024 – 6 PM
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The Executive Committee Meeting for the State Democratic-NPL Party. Each Second Wednesday of the Month For more information contact Jamie Selzler at [email protected]
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Souris Valley Dem-NPL Monthly Meeting
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Tuesday, March 9, 2024 – 6:00–8:00 PM
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Join the Souris Valley Dem-NPL at our March Monthly Meeting! All Democrats and Nonpartisan Leaguers in Minot and the surrounding area are welcome to come and discuss issues and upcoming events.
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We will be meeting at the Parker Center (21 1st Ave SE, Minot, ND) on Tuesday, March 12th. There will be a social from 6PM - 7PM followed by the meeting from 7PM - 8PM.
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We look forward to seeing you there!
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Executive Committee Meeting
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Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – 7 PM
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The Executive Committee Meeting for the State Democratic-NPL Party. Each Second Wednesday of the Month For more information contact Adam Goldwyn at [email protected]
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District 28 Monthly Meeting
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Monday, March 18, 2024 – 7 PM
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The monthly meeting of District 28! Email [email protected] for meeting log-in credentials.
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North Dakota Democratic-NPL State Convention
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Thursday, April 4 – Sunday, April 7, 2024
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Join us in Fargo for the Official ND Democratic-NPL State Convention!
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Become a delegate and participate in active democracy! We will officially nominate candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Governor & Lt. Governor, State Auditor, State Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Public Service Commissioner. Most activities will happen on Friday and Saturday.
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You can now request a ballot for the North Dakota Democratic Presidential Primary. Ballots can be requested at MRGballot.com.
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Ballots will start being mailed out on February 20, and must be received by Saturday, March 30, 2024. Ballots requested before February 7 will go out on February 20, and requests after February 7 will be fulfilled as they come in.
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Candidates who will appear on the ballot are:
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Armando "Mando" Perez-Serrato
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North Dakota will send 19 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. This vote will determine the proportion of delegates pledged to each presidential candidate. Delegates to the National Convention will be elected at the North Dakota Democratic-NPL State Convention in Fargo on April 4-7.
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Get involved in your local district! District Conventions will happen between Feb 6 and March 16. At District Conventions, Even Districts, District 9, and District 15 will endorse candidates for the state legislature. Every district will elect delegates to the State Convention.
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The following is arranged by district:
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Joint District Conventions
Bismarck-Mandan District Conventions
These district conventions have occurred! If you are from Districts 7, 8, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 47, and would like to become a delegate or alternate to the State Convention contact your district chair or complete the delegate interest form below!
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Bismarck-Mandan Democratic-NPL Districts include 7, 8, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 47.
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Cass County District Conventions
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Saturday, March 2 — 10:00 AM
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Ben Franklin Middle School
1420 8th St N., Fargo, ND 58102
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Join us for Legislative Candidate Endorsements, State Convention Delegate elections, and good conversation with other local Democrats. Stay tuned for more information to come!
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Cass County Democratic-NPL Districts include 10, 11, 13, 16, 21, 22, 27, 41, 44, 45, 46.
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Northern Valley District Conventions
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Saturday, March 2 — 9:30 AM
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Ramada Inn Grand Forks
1205 N 43rd St
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Join us for Conventions for Districts 17, 18, 20, 42, and 43! Even districts will elect legislative candidates, and all districts will elect delegates to the state convention.
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Registration starts at 9:30 AM. We will enjoy soups and chili for lunch, celebrate the winners and kickoff the 2024 election year!
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Join us on March 2nd to kickoff the 2024 Election! See you there!
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This includes Districts 17, 18, 20, 42, and 43.
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Souris Valley District Conventions
Saturday, March 9 — 10:00 AM
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125 35th Ave NE
Minot, ND 58703
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Tired of the ugly, corrupt, right-wing Culture Warrior extremism taking over North Dakota? The Souris Valley Dem-NPL is here to help.
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Our District Reorganization and Candidate Endorsement Convention for Districts 3, 5, 38, and 40, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 9th from 10AM-2PM at the IBEW Local 714 Hall (125 35th Ave NE, Minot, ND) in northwest Minot. Anyone who is a resident of District 3, 5, 38, or 40 who shares the ideals of the Dem-NPL is free to attend and participate. There are no party dues or other requirements for participation.
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The purpose of our District Conventions is to elect new leadership for each Dem-NPL district organization, endorse candidates for the state legislature, and select delegates to attend the North Dakota Democratic-NPL State Convention. State Representative Joshua Boschee of Fargo will be in attendance as a guest speaker.
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The leadership of each Dem-NPL district organization is tasked with the important work of organizing fellow Dem-NPLers in the district to help support our candidates up and down the ballot. District 38 and District 40 will be endorsing legislative candidates to represent the Dem-NPL in this year’s elections. Delegates will attend the Dem-NPL State Convention in Fargo from April 4-7 and vote on items like the party platform and statewide candidate endorsements, as well as have the opportunity to meet and socialize with Dem-NPLers from across the state.
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We hope you'll join us to help bring balance and common-sense back to North Dakota's state government. The Democratic-NPL and citizens of North Dakota need bright, upstanding people of conscience to be involved now more than ever.
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Bring a dessert to auction off in support of the Souris Valley Dem-NPL before the District Convention Meeting.
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This includes Districts 3, 5, 38, and 40.
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Single District Conventions
District 1
Saturday, March 16 — 2:00 PM
Williston State College, 4th Floor of the dorm
1410 University Ave, Williston, ND 58801
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Join us for the District 1 Dem-NPL Convention! The purpose of this convention is to elect 4 delegates to the State Convention.
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District 2
This district convention has occurred! If you are from District 2 and would like to become an alternate to the State Convention, contact your district chair or complete the delegate interest form below!
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District 6
This district convention has occurred! If you are from District 6 and would like to become a delegate or alternate to the State Convention, contact your district chair or complete the delegate interest form below!
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District 9
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Sunday, March 3 — 3:30 PM for Reorg, 5:00 PM for Convention
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110 Central Ave S Leeds, ND 58346
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Join us for the District 9 Democratic-NPL Convention at the Leeds Community Center on Sunday, March 3! Because the district has changed, there will first be a reorganization at 3:30 PM and an endorsing convention at 5:00 PM.
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District 12
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Sunday, March 3 — 3:00 PM
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North Dakota Farmers Union
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1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown
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District 12 Democratic-Nonpartisan League (Dem-NPL) will hold its 2024 District Convention on March 3, 2024 at North Dakota Farmers Union, 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND. The Convention will begin at 3pm. This is a family-friendly activity with a 'kids corner' activity provided.
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There will be featured speakers and a discussion on district and region priority issues. We will have light refreshments and Dem-NPL trivia! Business includes endorsing legislative candidates and electing delegates to the Dem-NPL State Convention, which will be held in Fargo April 4 - 7, 2024.
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The Democratic-NPL party is a grassroots organized political party. Meetings and membership are open to anyone who has voted for, or plans to vote for, Dem-NPL candidates, or simply affiliates themselves with the Party’s values.
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District 15
This district convention has occurred! If you are from District 15 and would like to become a delegate or alternate to the State Convention, contact your district chair or complete the delegate interest form below!
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District 23
Saturday, March 16 — 2:00 PM
Williston State College, 4th Floor of the dorm
1410 University Ave, Williston, ND 58801
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Join us for the District 23 Dem-NPL Convention! The purpose of this convention is to elect 2 delegates to the State Convention.
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District 25
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Sunday, March 3 — 4:00 PM
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Boiler Room
404 Dakota Ave., Wahpeton, ND 58075
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Please mark your calendar for our next District 25 convention! We will elect 12 delegates from District 25 to the state convention which is in Fargo this year. Hope to see you there!
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The Democratic-NPL is a grassroots organized political party. Meetings are open to anyone who voted for, or plans to vote for Democratic-NPL candidates or simply affiliates themselves with the Party’s ideals.
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District 28
This district convention has occurred! If you are from District 28 and would like to become an alternate to the State Convention, contact your district chair or complete the delegate interest form below!
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District 29
This district convention has occurred! If you are from District 29 and would like to become an alternate to the State Convention, contact your district chair or complete the delegate interest form below!
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District 36
Saturday, March 2 — 12:00 - 2:00 PM
The Press Box at Players Sports Bar & Grill
2050 1st Ave E, Dickinson, ND
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Join us for the District 36 Dem-NPL Convention to elect delegates to the State Convention and nominate candidates for the North Dakota State Legislature!
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District 37
Saturday, March 2 — 2:00-4:00 PM
The Press Box at Players Sports Bar & Grill
2050 1st Ave E, Dickinson, ND
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Join us for the District 37 Dem-NPL Convention to elect delegates to the State Convention!
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District 39
Saturday, March 2 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Press Box at Players Sports Bar & Grill
2050 1st Ave E, Dickinson, ND
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Join us for the District 39 Dem-NPL Convention to elect delegates to the State Convention!
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Read what North Dakotans are talking about and learn how news right here in the Peace Garden State is impacting you.
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Episode 2: North Dakota's Longest Serving State Senator
Ray Holmberg was the longest serving State Senator and one of the most powerful lawmakers in North Dakota history. His tenure, relationships, and position gave him great say in state government. His time in office came to an abrupt end when it was revealed he was exchanging text messages with an individual charged with child pornography.
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Episode 2 of Capitol Punishment explores the timeline of federal charges being brought against Ray Holmberg.
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Episode 3: Global Bridges an International Investigation
Episode 3 explores the use of taxpayer funded travel by lawmakers. Following the revelation of federal charges against former State Senator Ray Holmberg, Global Bridges became a topic of conversation. Were state funds used to travel for alleged crimes?
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No charges to be filed for deletion of attorney general emails
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In wake of the emails’ erasure, members of the public and lawmakers called on the state for accountability. But the state laws on records management don’t explicitly define emails as records, according to Enget’s letter.
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That prompted lawmakers to pass an amendment during the 2023 legislative session to expand the definition of record to include “any electronic mail or communication.”
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This amendment played an important part in Enget’s legal analysis. In his letter to Lawyer, he pointed to testimony by the legislation’s primary sponsor, Rep. Corey Mock, D-Grand Forks.
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“Because email itself is not classified as a ‘record,’ any statutory obligations to review or retain items of this nature are ambiguous, at best,” Mock said in written testimony on the bill.
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Voters want more say on use of Legacy Fund
“The voters want more transparency about the investments being made with their tax dollars,” Smith said.
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Eligible voters also appear in the dark about the work State Investment Board does in managing the Legacy Fund, with 75% unfamiliar with how it manages the fund, compared to 17% who had some level of familiarity. The board is chaired by Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller.
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Katrina Christiansen talks about new polling numbers in US Senate race
Katrina Christiansen is running for US Senate and is an assistant professor of engineering at the University of Jamestown. She is challenging Republican incumbent U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer who will be running for re-election next year.
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She joins Joel on "News and Views" to talk about some recent polling numbers that look good for her campaign. She also talks about the differences between her and her opponent, her views on the Ukraine/Russia war, and more.
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Chair of North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System board resigns
At Kommer’s first meeting in November, she was the tie-breaking vote to fire former PERS Executive Director Scott Miller, who was a vocal opponent of legislation last session to close the public employee pension to new hires. Miller has said he was following the direction of the board, which also opposed the legislation.
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Election reform measure will have wrong effect, North Dakota official says
Dan Stutlien is the Wells County auditor who was in charge of the 2022 election in that county.
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“That would be 100% false,” Stutlien said of Gessele’s accusation that voting tabulators didn’t work properly.
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He accused Gessele of “fear-mongering.”
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Stutlien said one aspect of the election reform measure, that auditors be elected, was aimed at him, because he was appointed to his position.
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The 2022 election was Stutlien’s first as an auditor. He said the election process is “way more sophisticated than I thought.”
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“The safeguards are impressive,” he said.
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Sarah Grossbauer announces District 42 bid for seat in state House of Representatives
In her announcement, the lifelong resident of Grand Forks says she “pledges to be an accessible and proactive leader, actively engaging with constituents to tackle issues facing District 42.” Her platform prioritizes promoting small business growth, workforce development, equitable access to education and health care.
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“Grand Forks is a community that fosters innovative leadership, educational opportunity and economic resiliency. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work hard to ensure that the voices of District 42 are heard in the state Legislature as we capitalize on these opportunities in our state," Grossbauer said in the statement sent to the Herald.
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DISTRICT 24 DEM-NPL PARTY ENDORSED LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES
The District 24 Democratic-NPL party endorsed a full slate of legislative candidates at their convention in Valley City February 18. Nancy Farnham and Shawn Olauson were chosen as candidates for the North Dakota House of Representatives. Knut “Pete” Gjovik was selected as candidate for the North Dakota Senate. District 24 includes Barnes and Ransom Counties.
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Don't miss these national stories!
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'We want kids more than anything' Woman suing Texas plans to move embryos out of state
Amanda Zurawski, who is suing Texas after she said she nearly died when doctors delayed giving her a medically necessary abortion, plans to move her frozen embryos out of the state for fear Texas could stop providing in vitro fertilization. Zurawski joins Morning Joe to discuss.
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How the reversal of Roe v. Wade led to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos are children
“Make no mistake: this is a direct result of the overturning of Roe v. Wade,” he said. “I know that folks are worried about what they’re seeing happening to women all across America. I am too. I hear about it everywhere I go. My message is: The Vice President and I are fighting for your rights. We’re fighting for the freedom of women, for families, and for doctors who care for these women. And we won’t stop until we restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law for all women in every state.”
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Biden is trying to fix Trump’s broken immigration system
A few weeks ago, Republicans, directed by Trump, sank their own border security bill that contained a wish list of GOP security-only proposals, which Democrats helped negotiate as a first step to gain control of the migrant flows at the southern border. But as soon as Trump saw that the bill would pass with majority Democratic support, he knew he would not be able to weaponize the issue with a solution on the horizon. This sorry episode proves that Trump and the MAGA-controlled House leadership are not interested in solutions — only the ability to use the border and immigration as political fodder.
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Biden announces U.S. will airdrop food aid into Gaza as famine concerns grow
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President Joe Biden announced Friday that the U.S. will drop food aid into the Gaza Strip, noting that the humanitarian aid flowing into the region for Palestinians is insufficient.
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“Aid flowing into Gaza is nowhere nearly enough… lives are on the line,” Biden said as he announced the decision about the airdrops during an Oval Office meeting he was holding with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
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To prevent a shutdown, Democrats do the heavy lifting (again)
“Once again,” the New York Democrat said, “Democrats have demonstrated our willingness to work together, do the right thing by the American people and provide the overwhelming majority of votes necessary to get things done.”
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Republicans’ Absurdist Reproductive Policies Are Coming for Us All
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Nearly two years ago, late into the night on a Monday, I had the terrifying realization that I needed to move my embryos. Immediately.
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A few hours earlier—just as I was starting to wrap up work for the day—my phone had lit up in what felt like one long, continuous stream of alerts. Politico had just obtained a leaked copy of the Supreme Court’s draft Dobbs opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. As a reproductive rights attorney leading a Supreme Court reform organization, I knew my immediate next steps. Conference call. Media statement. Email to our supporters. I’d been preparing for this moment since Donald Trump was elected.
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Biden, at Culver City stop, announces $1.2 billion in student debt forgiveness
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President Biden announced the cancellation Wednesday of $1.2 billion in student loan debt for more than 150,000 borrowers, saying the relief will allow them to buy homes, start families and otherwise benefit the economy.
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“Folks, I’m happy to have been able to forgive these loans because when we ... relieve Americans of student debt, they are free to chase their dreams,” he told dozens of supporters at the Culver City Julian Dixon Library.
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National news media are sanitizing Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan
National news media are continuing a pattern of repeatedly ignoring and sanitizing Trump's extreme comments and plans. Trump has been abundantly clear about his intentions to implement xenophobic, 20th-century immigration policies, and national news outlets must do a better job informing viewers and readers of Trump's unpopular, cruel, and draconian policy plan.
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The Biden campaign is launching a nationwide effort to win the women’s vote. Jill Biden will lead it
Biden’s campaign and Democrats writ large want to make reproductive rights and access to women’s health care a central issue this year, inspired by wins in elections in 2022 held after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, its 1973 decision establishing a constitutional right to an abortion.
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The US economy is so strong that there might not be any rate cuts in 2024
Now, some economists think the Fed won’t cut interest rates at all this year.
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The economy is not slowing down and some underlying measures of inflation are growing, said Torsten Slok, chief economist at Apollo Global Management, in a note to investors Friday.
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“The Fed will not cut rates this year and rates are going to stay higher for longer,” he added.
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The Century Club supports our year-round work to build party infrastructure supporting candidate recruitment, local district and regional leadership, issue-based education, and tools for Dem-NPL success.
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Help us elect great Democrats up and down the ballot!
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The North Dakota Democratic-NPL is launching a new grassroots program called “Neighbor to Neighbor” where volunteers will connect with voters in your community to elect Democrats up and down the ballot. As a volunteer, you will be responsible for connecting with voters in 25 homes in your neighborhood or friends and family to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot about 3-4 times this year.
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Grassroots organizers are the lifeblood of the Dem-NPL! Sign up to volunteer with the Dem-NPL!
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