Republican primary voters in North Dakota will have a range of candidates to choose from for the state’s only U.S. House seat, including former Miss America Cara Mund. The candidate filing deadline for the June 11 primary election passed on Monday, with North Dakotans also set to elect a new governor this year. Republicans currently hold all statewide offices and congressional seats, with the last Democratic statewide win occurring in 2012. The GOP House race is crowded, with candidates such as military veteran Alex Balazs, former state Rep. Rick Becker, Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak, and the lesser-known Sharlet Mohr in the running.
Among the Republican candidates, Balazs has received the party’s endorsement, but faces tough competition from candidates with greater name recognition like Fedorchak and Mund. Mund, who unsuccessfully ran for the seat as an independent in 2022, decided to run again this year due to the lack of moderates in the race. She emphasized her stance on limited government and women’s rights, particularly on the issue of abortion. Mund also expressed concerns about the Republican Party’s focus on former President Donald Trump, stating that she supports the rule of law and fairness in the judicial system.
Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Kelly Armstrong is running for governor, leaving the U.S. House seat open. He will face Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller in the primary, as Gov. Doug Burgum is not seeking a third term. On the Democratic side, military veteran Trygve Hammer received the party’s endorsement for the House seat and will compete against frequent candidate Roland Riemers in the primary. However, Democrats appeared to have missed candidates for treasurer and insurance commissioner, according to a party spokeswoman. State Sen. Merrill Piepkorn is running for governor as a Democrat, while independent Michael Coachman is also in the race.
The Republican primary in North Dakota is set for an energetic campaign season, with a diverse range of candidates vying for the U.S. House seat and governorship. The endorsement process for both parties was contentious, leading to a competitive field for the upcoming elections. Fractures within the Republican Party were evident, with candidates like Mund pushing for a more moderate stance while others emphasized their support for traditional conservative values. The outcome of the primary elections in June will determine who will ultimately represent the state in Congress and as governor, shaping the future political landscape of North Dakota.
The entry of candidates like Cara Mund, a former Miss America, adds an interesting dynamic to the Republican primary race in North Dakota. Mund’s previous run as an independent and her focus on women’s rights and limited government reflect a shift towards more moderate views within the party. Other candidates, such as military veteran Alex Balazs and former state Rep. Rick Becker, bring their own experiences and perspectives to the race. With the state’s longtime Republican dominance, the primary elections will be crucial in determining the direction of the state’s leadership and policies moving forward.
The Democratic Party in North Dakota faces challenges in fielding a full slate of candidates for statewide offices, highlighting the continued strong hold of Republicans in the state. Despite this, contenders like Trygve Hammer and Merrill Piepkorn are vying for key positions, offering alternative choices to voters. The absence of candidates for treasurer and insurance commissioner raises questions about the party’s ability to compete effectively in all areas of government. The upcoming primary elections will be closely watched by political observers, as the outcomes will not only determine the candidates for the general election but also signal the shifting dynamics within the state’s political landscape.
Overall, the Republican primary in North Dakota presents a diverse array of candidates vying for the U.S. House seat and governorship, while the Democratic Party faces challenges in fielding a full slate of statewide candidates. The entry of former Miss America Cara Mund into the race adds an element of intrigue, with her focus on moderate views and women’s rights. With a competitive field and contentious endorsement process, the June primary elections will be crucial in determining the future leadership of the state. Voters will have the opportunity to choose from a range of candidates with varying backgrounds and ideologies, setting the stage for an exciting and closely watched campaign season in North Dakota.
