Wed, Apr 17th, 2024 - 6:14am
April 05, 2024 - 10:15pm | By Chris Larson
(Fargo, ND) – The opening day of the North Dakota Republican Party’s state convention has wrapped up at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex in Fargo.
The day began with fireworks, as delegates were forced to decide whether or not the delegates registered from District 37, in western North Dakota, would be allowed to be seated at the convention. District 37’s delegates were in question due to the way they were elected to the convention. Republican gubernatorial candidate, and former North Dakota Republican Party Chairman, Kelly Armstrong, spoke to the delegates gathered, encouraging them to seat the delegates from District 37. The body ended up seating the delegates.
The body reelected Lori Hinz as the national committeewoman. She ran unopposed.
For the national committeeman position, incumbent Shane Goettle ran against challenger Steve Nagel. Nagel won the nomination.
The other race was for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Incumbent Kirsten Baesler was defeated by challenger Jim Bartlett. Baesler later announced she will continue onto the June primary election.
Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread, State Treasurer Thomas Beadle, Public Service Commissioner Randy Christmann and State Auditor Josh Gallion were all endorsed.
Saturday’s events will begin with the Chairwoman’s Prayer Breakfast, and the convention will reconvene at 10 a.m. Among the items to come before the delegates Saturday are endorsements for Governor, US House and US Senate; a keynote speech by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee; and several resolutions.
