BISMARCK, North Dakota – Even though Republicans dominate North Dakota's legislature, a Democratic state senator is making a long-shot attempt to become the state's governor.
Fargo state senator Merrill Piepkorn has not yet confirmed his candidacy for governor, but he has filed the necessary papers to form a candidate committee. A news conference is scheduled for early next month, he did mention that. "A lot of work remains. The event is happening. In his statement, Piepkorn mentioned an endorsement.
Piepkorn oversees the production of live events, television shows, movies, and radio shows as president of the company. In 2016, he became the first North Dakotan to serve in the Senate, a body where Democrats have four seats out of 47.
Another candidate for governor from Neche is Travis Hipsher, a Democrat and a security guard. At their convention in Fargo next month, the Democratic-NPL Party of North Dakota will support a ticket for governor.
In 1988, the post of governor was last held by a Democrat. Since Heidi Heitkamp's 2012 U.S. Senate victory—which she lost in 2018—the party has failed to secure a statewide position.
Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican, has decided not to run for reelection. Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller and the state's lone Republican representative, Kelly Armstrong, are vying for the Republican nominee for governor in November's primary. In December 2022, Burgum appointed Miller to succeed former Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, and Miller has received his endorsement.
Independent Another candidate is Michael Coachman, a resident of Larimore who served in the Air Force. Voters imposed term limits in 2022, limiting each subsequent governor to a maximum of two terms in office; however, Burgum was eligible to run for a third or possibly a fourth term.
Midway through December, only weeks before the annual Legislature meets, the incoming governor will assume office. Although both the governor and the lieutenant governor are chosen on a joint ticket, only Coachman has announced his running mate thus far.
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