North Dakota Democrats Endorse Statewide Candidates at Convention

More than 400 delegates attended the 2025 state convention in Bismarck.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The North Dakota Democratic Party held its 2025 state convention in Bismarck, where over 400 delegates gathered to hear from former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp and endorse several candidates for statewide offices, including Trygve Hammer for U.S. House, Tim Lamb for Attorney General, John Pederson and Scott Kelsh for Public Service Commission, and Ryan Braunberger for Secretary of State. The party also issued a letter of support for Tracy Foss for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Why it matters

State party conventions are an important part of the electoral process, where delegates come together to endorse candidates and set the party's agenda. The North Dakota Democrats' convention highlights the party's priorities and the candidates they believe can best represent the state's interests.

The details

The North Dakota Democratic Party held its 2025 state convention in Bismarck, with more than 400 delegates in attendance. The delegates heard from former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp and endorsed several candidates for statewide offices, including Trygve Hammer for U.S. House, Tim Lamb for Attorney General, John Pederson and Scott Kelsh for Public Service Commission, and Ryan Braunberger for Secretary of State. The party also issued a letter of support for Tracy Foss for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

  • The North Dakota Democratic Party held its 2025 state convention in Bismarck.
  • The Republican Party will hold their convention on March 28 and 29 in Minot.

The players

Heidi Heitkamp

A former U.S. Senator from North Dakota who spoke at the convention.

Trygve Hammer

The Democratic candidate endorsed for U.S. House.

Tim Lamb

The Democratic candidate endorsed for Attorney General.

John Pederson

One of the Democratic candidates endorsed for Public Service Commission.

Scott Kelsh

One of the Democratic candidates endorsed for Public Service Commission.

Ryan Braunberger

The Democratic candidate endorsed for Secretary of State.

Tracy Foss

The Democratic candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction who received a letter of support.

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The takeaway

The North Dakota Democratic Party's state convention highlighted the party's priorities and the candidates they believe can best represent the state's interests. The endorsements made at the convention will shape the upcoming statewide elections.