BISMARCK, N.D. – Republican Gov. Doug Burgum’s big spending paid off as two political newcomers have bumped off one the state’s most powerful GOP lawmakers. Jeff Delzer of Underwood, is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee..
He came in third in the Republican Primary election in District 8. Newcomers David Andahl and Dave Nehring won the GOP endorsement in that district. Andahl received 29%. Nehring received more than 30%. Both were were endorsed by Governor Burgum and U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer. Delzer had just over 22% of the district vote. Delzer served one term in the Legislature in the 1991 session, then returned to the House in 1995. He has been House Appropriations chair since 2011.
Governor Doug Burgum took the unusual step of targeting Delzer, a powerful incumbent from his own party. He joined district Republicans in backing Andahl and Nehring over Delzer, who represents a district that stretches northeast of Bismarck. There has been friction between Burgum and Delzer in the past over a rule change in the budgeting process.
Delzer didn’t respond to repeated messages Tuesday night. Nehring said in a text message that he was “truly humbled by the results” and that he was determined to “bring new conservative leadership” to the Legislature.
The legislative district’s sole Democratic House candidate, Kathrin Volochenko, had no primary opposition. She and the two Republicans advance out of the primary will face off this fall, and the top two finishers in that race will win House seats.
The Burgum-funded committee also heavily supported Fargo Rep. Thomas Beadle’s campaign for state treasurer. Beadle received more than 52% of the vote. Another challenger for the job, Republican Rep. Dan Johnston received slightly more than 47% of the vote. He had support and financial backing of U.S. Kevin Cramer, and a tweet endorsement from President Donald Trump.
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