Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Just Before GOP Convention, North Dakota Gets a New Delegate

A state Republican Party official says it’s “pure coincidence” that Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s decision to skip the Republican National Convention has opened the door for Fargo entrepreneur Doug Burgum -- who defeated Stenehjem last month for the GOP nomination for governor -- to attend as a delegate.

A state Republican Party official says it’s “pure coincidence” that Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s decision to skip the Republican National Convention has opened the door for Fargo entrepreneur Doug Burgum -- who defeated Stenehjem last month for the GOP nomination for governor -- to attend as a delegate.

 

North Dakota is sending 28 delegates to the convention next week in Cleveland, where New York businessman Donald Trump expects to clinch the party’s official nomination for president.

 

Three of the state's 28 delegates are automatic picks: the party chairman and the national committeeman and committeewoman.

 

The other 25, including Stenehjem, were chosen in April by delegates to the state GOP convention in Fargo. Burgum received the 26th-most votes in that balloting, making him the first alternate. So, when Stenehjem decided not to go to Cleveland, Burgum was first in line to take his place.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
Special Projects