On the campaign trail

This year's primary election on Tuesday, June 11 is coming up fast, and state-wide candidates looking to represent North Dakotans are on the campaign trail.

That trail has led a few candidates to New Rockford and Carrington, including Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller, who's running to replace Doug Burgum as North Dakota's Governor, and her running mate Josh Teigen.

Miller, a Republican, stopped by New Rockford-Sheyenne Public School on Wednesday, May 15, and met with with students, including Erin Willyard's eighth grade social studies class and Jan Bakke's fourth grade class.

Following her visit, Miller posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the trip to NR-S.

"Last week we had the chance to visit New Rockford-Sheyenne Public School. We met so many incredible students and teachers. Anyone who doubts where we're headed as a nation should meet these students – day makers!" She wrote.

"Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion for learning was inspiring! With these future leaders, we'll be in good hands."

Miller is in the midst of a contentious race against fellow Republican Kelly Armstrong for North Dakota's governorship, and attack ads against both candidates have been airing back-and-forth for weeks.

Both currently hold important offices: Miller is the state's Lieutenant Governor under Doug Burgum – who has endorsed Miller – and Armstrong is currently the state's sole congressman in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

Armstrong has previously visited New Rockford when he was campaigning for reelection in 2022, and now that he's chosen to seek the governorship, there are several individuals seeking to replace him in Washington.

One of those candidates, Republican Julie Fedorchak, stopped by Carrington and New Rockford on Thursday, May 16.

Fedorchak is currently a Public Service Commissioner for the state and has Governor Doug Burgum's endorsement for U.S. House.

On Thursday she visited with local residents and business owners at several locations in Carrington, including the Prairie Inn, Bravera Insurance and the Garden Gate.

Afterwards, she met up with District 14 legislators Jerry Klein, Jon Nelson and Robin Weisz at the New Rockford Golf Course before heading to Devils Lake and Edinburgh.

While at the golf course in New Rockford, the Transcript spoke to Fedorchak about the importance of stopping in rural communities.

"I feel like these small towns are sort of the heart of our state, and they capture what makes North Dakota unique," she said.

"I love the small town quality of life where everyone knows each other. ... So I love the spirit in these small towns, and really the connection to agriculture."

Fedorchak is up against several other Republican candidates for the U.S. House position, including Rick Becker, the former state legislator and plastic surgeon who recently made a campaign stop at the Eagles Club in New Rockford.

Also running for the Republican nomination are Cara Mund, formerly Miss America; Alex Balazs, an Army, Navy and Air Force veteran and the N.D. GOP endorsed candidate; and Sharlet Mohr, a resident of Williston.

Whoever wins the Republican nomination on Tuesday, June 11, will face either Trygve Hammer, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, or Roland Reimers, a former Air Force and N.D. National Guard member. Both are running for the Democratic nomination to replace Armstrong in Washington.

Running as an independent write-in candidate for U.S. House is Richard Grayson.

Meanwhile, the only individual running for the Democratic nomination for N.D. Governor is Merrill Piepkorn, a sitting state senator in the N.D. Legislature representing District 44 in Fargo.

Running for the Republican nomination to the U.S. Senate seat unopposed is incumbent Kevin Cramer, who will face Democrat Katrina Christianson – also running unopposed for the Democratic nomination – as well as Independent Kristin Hedger.