DEMOCRAT Archives - KVRR Local News

Democrat Rep. Dobervich of Fargo will not seek re-election this fall

January 28, 2026

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Democrat Rep. Gretchen Dobervich of Fargo says it’s time to step away from elected office. She has represented District 11 since 2016 and will not seek re-election in November. Dobervich has focused her legislative work on health and human services to strengthen public health and support families. “It has been an honor to serve the people…

ND lawmaker who died last month remembered for marching with Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 19, 2026

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A North Dakota man who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. is also being remembered. The family of Byron Knutson waited until the week leading up to the MLK holiday to announce his death. The Democrat and former North Dakota Insurance and Labor Commissioner died last month in Bismarck at 96. Knutson grew up in Benson…

Democrat Trygve Hammer announces second run for U.S. House of Representatives in ND

January 19, 2026

TJ Nelson,

MINOT, N.D. (KVRR) — The Democrat who lost to Julie Fedorchak for North Dakota’s lone U.S. House seat in 2024 is running against her again. In his campaign release, Trygve Hammer said, “Right now we have no voice in Congress”. Hammer is a retired Marine, former educator and oil field roughneck and current political columnist. He says the issues they…

President Trump reacts to the announcement by Gov. Tim Walz to end his re-election campaign

January 5, 2026

KVRR Staff,

Truth SocialWASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — President Donald Trump responded to Gov. Walz’ announcement with a post on Truth Social writing “the corrupt governor will possibly leave office before his time is up.” He went on to say Walz was caught redhanded “along with Ilhan Omar and others of his Somali friends stealing tens of billions of taxpayer dollars”. Trump also…

North Dakota, Minnesota Lawmakers Discuss Local Impact of Government Shutdown

Some nonprofit organizations may be unable to pay employees while federal funding is frozen.

October 1, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – “I’m also thinking about everybody else who’s going to pay the cost – literally – if hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans or people in North Dakota lose their health insurance,” said Sen. Tina Smith (D) of Minnesota. Smith is part of the Democratic contingent currently trying to hash out an agreement with Republican legislators to get…

Nicole Mitchell’s attorney requests felony conviction to be changed to misdemenors

September 21, 2025

KVRR Staff,

Nicole MitchellDETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — Former Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell’s attorney is requesting that her felony conviction be changed to a misdemeanor at her upcoming sentencing hearing. Mitchell was convicted of felony burglary and possession of burglary tools by a Becker County jury in July. She broke into her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes in April 2024. Her attorney, Dane Dekrey,…

Democrat XP Lee wins special election to fill State Rep. Melissa Hortman’s seat

September 16, 2025

KVRR Staff,

ST. PAUL (KVRR/AP) — XP Lee has won the special election for House District 34b, that is the district represented by the late Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman. She and her husband were fatally shot in June in a politically motivated assassination. Lee, a Democrat, is a former Brooklyn Park city council member. “I am honored to have been elected…

Former Sen. Larry Robinson of Valley City died Wednesday in Minneapolis

September 4, 2025

TJ Nelson,

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (KVRR) — Former Sen. Larry Robinson of Valley City has died at the age of 75. Robinson died Wednesday at a hospital in Minneapolis. The Democrat represented District 24 in the senate from 1989 to 2020. Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued the following statement: “Larry Robinson was a true statesman of the Senate and a great colleague who…

Former North Dakota Democratic State Representative Aarsvold has Died

August 27, 2025

TJ Nelson,

MAYVILLE, N.D. (KVRR) — Former Democratic State Rep. Olav “Ole” Aarsvold has died at the age of 84. Aarsvold died Monday at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville. He was born in Blanchard, North Dakota and served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1989 to 2008. A visitation will be held on Friday from 5-6 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home…

Sen. Tina Smith given “clean bill of health” following hospital stay

July 17, 2025

Alison Voorhees,

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Sen. Tina Smith says she’s been given “a clean bill of health” and she’s ready to get back to work fighting for Minnesotans. The Minnesota Democrat was admitted to George Washington University Hospital. Last night, a post on X from her staff says she went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo a more thorough…