Leaders – North Dakota Republican Party

Governor Doug Burgum

Doug Burgum took office as the 33rd governor of North Dakota on December 15, 2016. Doug brings a business leader’s approach to diversifying the economy, creating 21st century jobs, and revitalizing our main streets.

Representative Kevin Cramer

Kevin Cramer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012. He serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings, appointed Kevin Cramer to three sub-committees including Energy and Mineral Resources, Public Lands and Environmental Regulation and Indian and Alaska Native Affairs.

Senator John Hoeven

On January 5, 2011, John Hoeven was sworn in as North Dakota’s 22nd U.S. Senator, after serving 10 years as Governor for the state of North Dakota.

As Governor, Hoeven worked to build North Dakota’s future by focusing on six pillars of growth: education, economic development, agriculture, energy, technology and quality of life.

Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford

Brent Sanford was elected North Dakota’s 38th lieutenant governor on November 8, 2016, and took office on December 15, 2016. A Watford City native and third-generation business owner, Sanford served as mayor of his hometown from 2010 to 2016 and as a city councilman for four years before that.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem was born in Mohall, North Dakota. He graduated from the University of North Dakota and received his law degree from the UND School of Law in 1977. He is married to Beth Bakke Stenehjem and has a son, Andrew.

Secretary of State Al Jaeger

Secretary of State Al Jaeger was elected North Dakota’s fourteenth Secretary of State in 1992 and was reelected in 1996, 2000, 2004 (two year term), 2006 and 2010.

He serves on the North Dakota Emergency Commission, the Board of the North Dakota State Historical Society, and the North Dakota Board of University and School Lands.

State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt

State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt has spent the last decade bringing accuracy, transparency and technology to the Office of State Treasurer. She believes strongly in limited and efficient government, and has worked hard to ensure taxpayer dollars are used in an economical and effective manner.

State Auditor Josh Gallion

Josh Gallion lives in Bismarck with his wife Becky of 13 years and their two daughters, Brooklyn and Sasha. His combination of education, experience, and long history of service are a perfect fit for the Office of Sate Auditor.

Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger

Ryan Rauschenberger is the twenty-fourth North Dakota State Tax Commissioner. He was appointed to the role after serving for nearly five years as the state’s Deputy Tax Commissioner.

As Deputy Tax Commissioner, Ryan promoted sound fiscal management, successfully kept the department within budget, and ensured strong customer service for North Dakota’s taxpayers.

Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread

Jon Godfread was elected North Dakota’s 22nd Insurance Commissioner on November 8, 2016. His background includes leadership efforts within North Dakota’s business community, government affairs, banking and professional athletics. Prior to serving as Commissioner, Jon was vice president of governmental affairs for the Greater North Dakota Chamber with prominent roles in discussions around the Affordable Care Act, across-the-board tax reductions for North Dakotans, creation of the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund, K-12 education efforts, and more.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring

Doug Goehring has been North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner since April 2009 and was elected to a full, four-year term in November 2010.

A third-generation family farmer, Commissioner Goehring, along with his son, Dustin, operates a 2,000-acre, no-till farm near Menoken in south central North Dakota, where they raise corn, soybeans, spring wheat, field peas, sunflowers, canola, winter wheat and alfalfa. In the past, the Goehrings have also produced durum, barley, mustard, millet and safflower, and have had a feeder cattle operation.

Public Service Commissioner Randy Christmann

Randy Christmann was elected to the North Dakota Public Service Commission in November of 2012. He brings to the Commission a background in agriculture, telecommunications, and 18 years in the North Dakota Senate representing energy country. Most of all, he brings what the Minot Daily News called a “let’s work together” attitude.

Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak

Julie Fedorchak was appointed to the Public Service Commission in December 2012 by Gov. Jack Dalrymple. She fills the position vacated by U.S. Congressman Kevin Cramer.

Julie Fedorchak a third generation North Dakotan and the youngest of eight children, Julie was born in Williston and had the great fortune of growing up in several regions of the state. She completed elementary and junior high school in Fargo, spent many summers on her family’s farm and ranch south of Stanley, N.D., and graduated from Bismarck Century High School in 1986.

Public Service Commissioner Brian Kroshus

Brian was appointed to the Public Service Commission in March, 2017, by Governor Doug Burgum. Brian has a background in business, agriculture and energy. Prior to his appointment to the Public Service Commission, Brian spent 30 years in business management in the publishing industry, including 10 years (1987-1997) at Forum Communications, Fargo, N.D. and 20 years (1997-2017) with Lee Enterprises, Bismarck, N.D. During his time with Lee Enterprises, Brian spent 10 years as publisher of The Bismarck Tribune, 17 years as publisher of Farm and Ranch Guide and 13 years as Group Publisher of Lee Agri-Media.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler

As Superintendent of Public Instruction, Kirsten Baesler is committed to providing the best possible learning environment and educational experience to every child in North Dakota.

Superintendent Baesler’s life-long passion for education has inspired her entire adult career—she spent 22 years working for Bismarck Public Schools as an instructional assistant to students with intellectual disabilities, a classroom teacher, library media specialist, technology integration specialist and vice principal. Superintendent Baesler was elected to the Mandan Public Schools Board in 2004 and served as its president from 2006 until stepping down after her election as State Superintendent.