Central ND News

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe has announced that a request to fill the vacant District 25 legislative seat cannot be processed. The vacancy arose following the death of Representative Cynthia Schreiber-Beck. On June 18, 2025, Ann B. Smith submitted a letter to the Office of the Secretary of State requesting the appointment of Terry Goerger to the position.

However, according to information from the North Dakota Republican Party (NDGOP), District 25 has not formally organized. This lack of organization invalidates Smith's request for an appointment. Under North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 16.1-03-07 (2), a political party district committee must select officers and forward the chairman's name and contact information to the state committee. The NDGOP has not recognized any duly elected chairman or committee for District 25 Republicans.

Without certainty regarding leadership in District 25, Secretary Howe stated he cannot issue a Certificate of Appointment because the request did not come from a recognized chairman within the district by the NDGOP.

The Office of the Secretary of State will withhold issuing any certificate until there is an organized Republican committee and chairman in District 25. The office encourages both major political parties and the legislative assembly to review state law and work within their organizations to ensure clarity in filling vacancies and issuing certificates.