MINOT, North Dakota, June 21, 2025
Chaos in District 25: Who’s in Charge?
A dispute over leadership in the North Dakota Republican Party’s District 25 is stalling the appointment of a new representative after the death of Rep. Cindy Schreiber-Beck.
- Rep. Cindy Schreiber-Beck died in May, leaving a vacancy in District 25.
- A battle over the district chair is delaying the selection of her replacement.
- State officials are unsure if they have the legal authority to intervene.
The process of replacing a North dakota lawmaker has become muddled in District 25, where the death of Representative Cindy Schreiber-Beck in May has led to a leadership struggle. The central question: who has the authority to appoint her successor?
terry Goerger (Photo provided by Ann Smith)
Uncertainty Over Leadership
Ann Smith, claiming to be the chair of the District 25 Republicans, announced Friday that Richland County Commissioner Terry Goerger would be the new lawmaker. However, the North Dakota Republican party (NDGOP) quickly countered, stating that Goerger’s appointment is invalid.
Who is Terry Goerger? Richland County Commissioner. His appointment is currently disputed.
Matthew Simon,the newly elected state chair of the NDGOP,said District 25 is not recognized as a valid district under party rules as it missed a May 15 deadline for reorganization. He says that, as a result, the district lacks a chair and the authority to appoint a replacement.
Adding to the confusion, Secretary of State Michael Howe has stated that his office may not have a legal path to fill the vacancy. Senator David Hogue, as Legislative Management chairman, was tasked with notifying the district chair about the vacancy. However, he sent letters on June 10 to both Smith and Erik Nygren, the former chair of district 25.
Competing Claims and Legal Questions
Nygren posted on Facebook on May 2 that the original District 25 reorganization meeting on April 26 violated the district’s bylaws and possibly state law. He added that a new reorganization meeting would be held on May 10 “to avoid confusion and potential legal challenge.” It remains unclear which bylaws or state laws were violated during the reorganization meetings.
Key Dates:
- april 26: Original District 25 reorganization meeting.
- May 2: Nygren claims the April 26 meeting violated bylaws.
- May 10: New reorganization meeting held.
- May 15: Deadline for district reorganization.
Goerger said Friday that he had been interviewed by the District 25 Executive Committee and informed of his appointment. He is aware of the disagreement over the chair position but declined further comment.
The NDGOP plans to work with the district to hold an organizational meeting by August 31, using a parliamentarian to ensure that actions meet legal and procedural standards. The State Committee did not allow a representative from District 25 to vote when they voted to elect Simon as state party chair.
The legislative appointment, once settled, would run through November 30, 2026. Legislative Management is expected to appoint lawmakers to interim committees and other governing boards.
What happens when a lawmaker dies in office? State law dictates that the district committee of the political party must appoint a successor. However, in this case, the identity of the valid committee is under dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently claiming to be the District 25 Republican chair?
Ann Smith is claiming to be the chair, but the NDGOP has disputed her claim.
What happens next?
The NDGOP plans to help the district hold an organizational meeting by August 31.
Who was Rep. Cindy Schreiber-Beck?
She was a Republican from Wahpeton.
Teh Weight of a Vacancy: Understanding the Role of State Representatives
The current dispute in District 25 highlights a crucial aspect of state government: the critical role of state representatives. From crafting legislation to representing their constituents, the responsibilities are vast and impactful. Ensuring a smooth transition when a vacancy occurs is vital for the functioning of democracy.
State representatives, or lawmakers, are the primary voice for their constituents in the state legislature. They introduce bills, debate legislation, and vote on matters affecting the entire state. This includes budgeting for essential services, overseeing education, and developing laws related to public safety and infrastructure.
In North Dakota, as the situation in District 25 shows, the party structure plays a vital role in the selection of replacements. The district committee is tasked with nominating a candidate to fill the vacancy when a representative leaves office, which is dictated by state law. However, as the situation currently stands, the identity of the valid committee is a point of contention.
Key Responsibilities of State Representatives
- Legislation: Drafting, introducing, and voting on bills that can become state laws.
- Budgeting: Allocating state funds to various programs and services.
- Constituent Services: addressing concerns and providing assistance to the residents of the district.
- Oversight: Monitoring state agencies and ensuring accountability in government.
- Representation: Acting as a voice for their constituents on crucial issues.
The absence of a representative disrupts this process. District 25 is currently missing a voice in the state legislature during a perhaps importent time. The longer the seat remains vacant, the less representation residents of District 25 have in the state house.
The process outlined in state law has safeguards in place,but the ongoing arguments over party association show weaknesses in the process that can prevent the filling of a vacancy.As a result, the debate over the district chair is stalling the selection of a new representative after the death of Rep. Cindy Schreiber-Beck, causing delays to critical state buisness.
Impact of Delays and Vacancies
- Delayed Legislation: Key bills may not be introduced or voted on in a timely manner.
- Reduced Constituent Services: Residents have less access to assistance and advocacy.
- Loss of Representation: The district might potentially be marginalized in critically important debates or decisions.
- Increased uncertainty: creates uncertainty among constituents about their representation.
State laws on the creation of a voting district clearly lay out the standards needed to form a valid district. While state officials are looking at the legal authority to intervene, the matter remains unclear and highlights the importance of clear guidelines for district organization, especially when critical vacancies arise, and when a representative’s voice is missing.
The Road Ahead
The NDGOP’s plan to work with the district is a critical step in resolving the dispute. A successful organizational meeting, managed by a parliamentarian, will allow the district to establish valid leadership. This will ensure the process of replacing Rep. Schreiber-Beck can proceed along the lines established by the law.
State lawmakers have a vital role in North Dakota: representing their constituents and helping to shape the laws that impact their everyday lives. District 25’s situation underscores the importance of well-defined processes to ensure smooth transitions during times of change.
In this case, the state is hoping to resolve the confusion soon and to make an appointment that lasts until the end of November 2026.
What is the primary function of a state representative? State representatives draft and vote on legislation, represent their constituents, and ensure their voices are heard in government.
Why is it critically important to fill vacancies quickly? Rapid and decisive actions help maintain democracy, ensuring that constituents are represented and that state business can proceed without delay.
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