WASHINGTON – The United States Senate has confirmed two North Dakotans to federal posts.
On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Kirsten Baesler to the position of Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education, while Nicholas Chase was confirmed as the U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota.
Baesler and Chase were among a group of 108 Trump administration appointees who were confirmed Tuesday in a single Senate vote.
Baesler’s confirmation
Kirsten Baesler has served as Superintendent of Public Instruction since 2013. Prior to that, she worked for the Bismarck Public School District for 24 years.
“I am honored, humbled, and incredibly excited to have received this final vote of confidence from the U.S. Senate,” Baesler said. “I am especially grateful to North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer for their support, their leadership, and their commitment to ensuring that the confirmation process moved forward for nominees committed to public service.”
She will retire from state government to take her new job, will formally transition to her new role as soon as operational logistics allow, and she has ensured a smooth and effective transition.
Senator John Hoeven said Baesler ‘is the right person for the job.’
“Her career and experience have equipped her well for the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary position, and she will be a great partner as we work to both improve outcomes for students and return decision-making to the state and local levels,” said Hoeven.
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong praised the confirmation.
“Congratulations to Superintendent Baesler on her confirmation to this important role at the U.S. Department of Education,” he said. “It’s a major win for North Dakota and the entire country when we send common-sense leaders like Superintendent Baesler to Washington – leaders who understand that students and families are best served when we empower decision-making at the local level with guidance from the state and limited involvement from the federal government. We wish her success in D.C. and look forward to a smooth transition to new leadership at the Department of Public Instruction.”
Armstrong will appoint a replacement to serve as state superintendent until the next regularly scheduled general election in November 2026.
Chase’s confirmation
Nicholas Chase has been a North Dakota District Court Judge since being appointed by then-Governor Doug Burgum to serve in the East Central Judicial District. Prior to that appointment, Chase served for 20 years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota, including as Acting U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
“The Senate confirmed Nick Chase to be U.S. Attorney for North Dakota because he has the right background and experience to lead federal law enforcement efforts in North Dakota,” said Senators Hoeven and Cramer. “Over his career, he has tried cases ranging from trafficking and child exploitation to fraud and money laundering, and will bring strong expertise to the role. We appreciate his willingness to serve in this position and his work to uphold law and order in our state.”
