NDGOP and Dem-NPL Endorse Candidates

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The North Dakota GOP and the Democrat-NPL endorsed their candidates for the 2024 elections on Saturday.

The NDGOP held their convention here at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex, where spoiled ballots for candidate Rick Becker caused some confusion with the nomination for U.S. House of Representatives.

In the vote for the house nomination, Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak initially led first-time candidate Alex Balazs, but failed to reach the necessary majority due to an effort led by former state legislator, Rick Becker. Becker encouraged delegates to write in his name, despite being ineligible to run for the endorsement due to party rules.

After a second vote still failed to produce a winner, Fedorchak resigned from the race, allowing Balazs to receive the endorsement.

Many in the party were frustrated with Becker, with Attorney General Drew Wrigley saying that Becker had disenfranchised himself by running as an independent against Hoeven, and that he skipped the primary in 2022 because he knew he’d lose.

Fedorchak said that Becker knew he was ineligible, but chose to run anyway.

“Rick Becker spoiled the ballots intentionally like we know. He did that and for him to come down and suggest that it was any other thing. But that was just not accurate and so it was time to say no, that’s not leadership.“

Balazs said that he was considering dropping out as well, but that Fedorchak had beat him to the mic.

“We were on our way down to talk to Julie about it and see what we should do. She was sick and into a boat to continue on or to ask people if they want to do it and it just it worked out that way.“

Lt. Governor Tammy Miller did not seek the party’s endorsement at the convention, leading to Representative Kelly Armstrong receiving the nomination unopposed. They will still face off in the June 11th Primary.

Armstrong criticized Miller’s decision in a press conference after receiving the nomination.

“I’m here. I’ve been everywhere. We answer questions. We don’t hide behind consultants. We’re out there. We’re more conservative. We have a conservative record, 12 years of doing this. Both at the states and at state party level in the congressional level.“

Democratic-NPL endorsements for the statewide races came into the convention uncontested. Merrill Piepkorn received the nomination for governor, with Katrina Christiansen receiving the nomination for Senate, and Trygve Hammer being nominated for the house seat.

Candidates noted that the financial position of their campaigns has put them in a much better position to challenge the Republicans in the general election this fall.

“We’ve got the campaign fundraising infrastructure. We’ve raised half a million dollars and we’re just moving forward with that as part of our ability to get people out to vote.“

Piepkorn added that the current state of the NDGOP has provided an opportunity for the Dem-NPL to regain ground, having failed to win a statewide election since 2012.

“Things are getting so tumultuous. And they’re just bringing up subjects in law that have nothing to do with really governing the state infrastructure, taking care of the people, providing education and fixing roads.“

Candidates will now prepare for the June 11th primary and the general Election in the fall.