North Dakota Democrats look forward

BISMARCK — As North Dakota Republicans swept statewide offices in Tuesday’s midterm election, the state Democratic-NPL party points to local wins and a positive outlook for 2020 after losing its only statewide seat.

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, defeated Tuesday, Nov. 6, by Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer, is the only Democrat holding a statewide elected office in North Dakota. State Democrats did gain a few legislative seats in eastern districts, though Republicans maintain their super majority in the executive and legislative branches.

Scott McNeil, executive director of the Democratic-NPL, touted party victories in longtime House Majority Leader Al Carlson's defeat, Bismarck Sen. Erin Oban's re-election and Ruth Buffalo's win in District 27 in Fargo for a state House seat. Dem-NPL chairman Warren Larson said Buffalo will be the first indigenous woman in the state Legislature.

"We know that Heidi's loss was a difficult pill to swallow, but we're always forward-thinking, and that's what we're doing today, we're working toward 2020," Larson said.

Read more: https://www.inforum.com/news/917760-North-Dakota-Democrats-look-forward