ND-AL: Democrats Nominate

The North Dakota Democratic state convention was held this past weekend in Grand Forks.  Delegates awarded official party endorsements for their two federal offices on the ballot in 2018, and both winners have clinched the nomination.  In no surprise, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D) won endorsement for her re-election campaign.  In the at-large House race, former state Senate Minority Leader Mac Schneider (D-Grand Forks) topped the delegate vote, and his opponents then quickly followed suit to profess their support for the man who defeated them.  With no further opposition coming for the June 5th primary, Mr. Schneider will become the Democratic congressional nominee. 
 
North Dakota Republicans head to convention next month.  Currently, state Sens. Tom Campbell (R-Grafton) and Kelly Armstrong (R-Dickinson) are the announced at-large congressional candidates along with defense contractor Tiffany Abentroth, and businessman DeWayne Hendrickson.  The eventual nominee will begin the general election as the favorite to succeed Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-Bismarck).  The Congressman is leaving the House to challenge Sen. Heitkamp and is expected to clinch the Senate nomination at the Republican convention.

--Jim Ellis