Summary

Julie Ann Fedorchak (née Liffrig)[2] (born September 28, 1968) is an American politician who is the U.S. Representative-elect for North Dakota’s at-large congressional district. She currently serves as a member of the North Dakota Public Service Commission.

She was appointed to the commission by Governor Jack Dalrymple in December 2012and easily won reelection to that position three times: to a two-year term in 2014, to a six-year term in 2016, and to another six-year term in 2022.

OnAir Post: Julie Fedorchak ND-01

About

Source: Campaign Site

Julie Fedorchak ND-01 1Julie Fedorchak is a fourth generation North Dakotan with deep roots in our state. The youngest of eight kids, Julie was born in Williston, grew up in Fargo, graduated from high school in Bismarck and earned her bachelor’s degree from UND. She spent many summers growing up on their family farm near Belden, N.D.

Her parents, Duane and Dorie Liffrig, were children of the Great Depression. They were hard working, independent, faithful, resourceful and expected their children to be the same. They were lifelong Republicans who didn’t just preach conservative values, they lived them. And Duane encouraged Julie to get involved in government and politics. “It matters, and it will affect your life,” he said.

This is the source of Julie’s commitment to public service. In the 1990s, Gov. Ed Schafer recruited her back home to be his communication’s director. Schafer focused on improving North Dakota’s business climate, and generating funding for essential government services through economic growth, not new taxes. His approach set in motion the Republican conversion of our state.

Julie left state government after the Schafer Administration and started her own communications and marketing business which she operated for 10 years. During that time, she edited several statewide magazines, wrote and published three books with her mom, wrote a bi-weekly column for the Bismarck Tribune and served a variety of business, government and political clients.

She was called back to public service as the state director for U.S. Senator John Hoeven for two years. In 2013, Gov. Jack Dalrymple tapped Julie for the position on the North Dakota Public Service Commission vacated by Kevin Cramer.

In her role on the PSC, Julie has advocated for reliable and affordable energy for North Dakotans. In fact, North Dakota has some of the lowest utility rates in the country. She has permitted over $10 billion of energy projects during a time of a rapid growth in the energy industry.

Julie and her husband Mike will celebrate 25 years of marriage this summer. Mike is a Navy vet who served active duty on an oiler during the Kuwait War. He and Julie met at UND, where they both graduated from.

Mike and Julie have three children and live in Mandan. They have been members of Cathedral of the Holy Spirit church for 30 years. They volunteer in a number of community organizations including the University of Mary, where Julie is a member of the Board of Trustees.

In their free time, the Fedorchaks love hosting dinner and game nights for friends and family, golfing, hunting, traveling, watching sports and competing in just about anything.

Web Links

Politics

Source: Wikipedia

Public Service Commission

In December 2012, Governor Jack Dalrymple appointed Fedorchak to the North Dakota Public Service Commission after a seat opened. She later won an election to hold the seat in 2014.[12] Shortly after being fully elected to the commission, Fedorchak was also swiftly elected to chair the commission for a two-year term.[13]

Fedorchak was later re-elected in 2016 and in 2022 by wide margins.[14]

Fedorchak has overseen and assisted the commission in numerous projects and investments while also offering transparent information.[15]

New Legislation

More Information

Wikipedia


Julie Ann Fedorchak[1] (née Liffrig)[2] (born September 28, 1968) is an American politician who is the U.S. Representative-elect for North Dakota’s at-large congressional district. She currently serves as a member of the North Dakota Public Service Commission.[3] She was appointed to the commission by Governor Jack Dalrymple in December 2012[4] and easily won reelection to that position three times: to a two-year term in 2014, to a six-year term in 2016, and to another six-year term in 2022.[5][6]

Background

Fedorchak was born in Williston, North Dakota in 1968.[7] She is the youngest of 8 to parents Duane and Doris Liffrig. Duane previously served as Highway Commissioner to former Governor of North Dakota Allen Olson.[8]

Fedorchak graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.[9] She later served as communications director for Governor Ed Schafer before becoming a columnist for the Bismarck Tribune and doing numerous other media work.[10]

Fedorchak has also served on numerous boards.[11]

Public Service Commission

In December 2012, Governor Jack Dalrymple appointed Fedorchak to the North Dakota Public Service Commission after a seat opened. She later won an election to hold the seat in 2014.[12] Shortly after being fully elected to the commission, Fedorchak was also swiftly elected to chair the commission for a two-year term.[13]

Fedorchak was later re-elected in 2016 and in 2022 by wide margins.[14]

Fedorchak has overseen and assisted the commission in numerous projects and investments while also offering transparent information.[15]

U.S. House of Representatives

2024 Congressional election

In February 2024, Fedorchak announced her entry into the race for North Dakota’s open US House seat.[16][17]

Fedorchak cited matters such as abortion, energy, and agriculture as issues she would focus on as a representative.[18] Her main primary opponents were former state Representative Rick Becker, farmer Alex Balazs, activist Sharlet Mohr, and Miss America 2018 Cara Mund for the Republican nomination.[19][20][21]

Fedorchak received the most state level endorsements of any candidate in the race, including over 50 legislators, U.S. Senator John Hoeven, Governor Doug Burgum, and former President Donald Trump.[22][23]

During the NDGOP endorsement convention, candidate Rick Becker encouraged his supporters to write in spoiler ballots to prevent an endorsement from going through.[24][25] After 2 failed ballots, Fedorchak withdrew from the endorsement to allow the convention to continue, giving Alex Balazs the endorsment.[26]

On the June 11 primary, Fedorchak won the Republican nomination with 46% of the vote.[27] She would face Democrat Trygve Hammer in the general election.[28] Shortly after the primary, Fedorchak’s campaign filed an FEC complaint regarding election interference after a mass of texts and emails were sent falsely stating she had dropped out of the race on the day of the election.[29][30][31]

Fedorchak defeated Hammer in the election 69% to 30%, making her the first woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from North Dakota.[32][33] She is also the first Republican woman elected to Congress from North Dakota and the first woman to represent North Dakota in Congress since Heidi Heitkamp, who served in the U.S. Senate from 2013 to 2019.[34]

Personal life

Fedorchak has had 3 children with her husband, Michael Fedorchak. She enjoys being active, reading, and traveling in her free time.[9] They have been members of Cathedral of the Holy Spirit church for 30 years.[35]

Fedorchak’s father, Duane, suffers from Alzheimers.[36]

Electoral history

North Dakota Public Service Commissioner special election, 2014[37]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanJulie Fedorchak 156,596 65.99
Democratic–NPLTyler Axness80,31933.84
Write-in4010.17
Total votes237,316 100.00
North Dakota Public Service Commissioner election, 2016[38]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanJulie Fedorchak 218,961 68.76
Democratic–NPLMarlo Hunte-Beaubrun72,02822.62
LibertarianThomas Skadeland26,9138.45
Write-in5630.18
Total votes318,465 100.00
North Dakota Public Service Commissioner election, 2022[38]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanJulie Fedorchak 165,183 71.3
Democratic–NPLMelanie Moniz66,19628.57
Write-in3110.13
Total votes231,690 100.00
North Dakota At-Large Congressional District Republican Primary, 2024[39]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanJulie Fedorchak 43,137 45.90
RepublicanRick Becker27,77129.57
RepublicanCara Mund18,34319.53
RepublicanAlexander C. Balazs3,7584.00
RepublicanSharlet Mohr7950.35
Write-in1090.12
Total votes93,913 100.00
2024 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota[40]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
RepublicanJulie Fedorchak 249,101 69.24% +7.04%
Democratic–NPLTrygve Hammer109,23130.36%N/A
Write-in1,4550.40%+0.17%
Total votes359,787 100.00% N/A

References

  1. ^ “Rep. Julie Fedorchak – R North Dakota, At-large – Biography”. LegiStorm. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  2. ^ “About Julie Fedorchak for US Congress”.
  3. ^ “Commissioner Julie Fedorchak”. Public Service Commission, North Dakota. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
  4. ^ Smith, Nick (November 30, 2012). “Fedorchak named to PSC”. Bismarck Tribune. Lee Enterprises. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
  5. ^ Smith, Nick (January 6, 2016). “Julie Fedorchak announces 2016 campaign”. Bismarck Tribune. Lee Enterprises. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
  6. ^ Miller, Jr., James B. (November 8, 2022). “Incumbents retain seats in ND Public Service Commission races”. The Dickinson Press.
  7. ^ Howe, Michael, ed. (November 2023). “Executive Branch”. North Dakota Blue Book 2023-2025. Bismarck, North Dakota: North Dakota Department of State. p. 382. Retrieved August 19, 2024 – via State Historical Society of North Dakota.
  8. ^ “Kathleen Wrigley: What You Need to Know About Julie Fedorchak – Say Anything”.
  9. ^ a b “Vote Smart | Facts For All”. Vote Smart. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  10. ^ “About Julie Fedorchak for US Congress”. Julie Fedorchak. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  11. ^ “Commissioner, North Dakota Public Service Commission | Aspen Ideas”. Aspen Ideas Festival. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  12. ^ “Fedorchak launches bid to stay on Public Service Commission”. Grand Forks Herald. November 2, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  13. ^ “Fedorchak to chair ND Public Service Commission”. InForum. December 18, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  14. ^ “Julie Fedorchak”. Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  15. ^ “Commissioner Julie Fedorchak: Public Service Commission, North Dakota”. www.psc.nd.gov. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  16. ^ Gick, Justin (February 19, 2024). “Julie Fedorchak discusses bid for US House”. KFYR-TV.
  17. ^ Achterling, Michael (February 15, 2024). “Fedorchak enters North Dakota US House race against 2 Republican challengers”. North Dakota Monitor.
  18. ^ “Fedorchak campaigns in Dickinson, addresses issues and endorses Trump”. Dickinson Press. March 5, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  19. ^ “Former state Rep. Rick Becker seeks North Dakota’s only US House seat”. AP News. January 22, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  20. ^ “Former state senator announces run for North Dakota’s lone US House seat”. AP News. January 29, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  21. ^ FULTON, JACOB (March 26, 2024). “Former fed employee Alex Balazs wants to bring his experience to Washington through US House seat”. The Bismarck Tribune. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  22. ^ “Sen. John Hoeven endorses Julie Fedorchak for North Dakota’s U.S. House seat”. Grand Forks Herald. April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  23. ^ “Port: House candidate Julie Fedorchak wins the battle of legislative endorsements”. InForum. March 13, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  24. ^ “What caused a deadlock for the North Dakota Republican endorsement for US House?”. InForum. April 10, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  25. ^ Weiand, Zachary (April 7, 2024). “Tensions rise at NDGOP convention following protest votes from delegates”. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  26. ^ Skurzewski, Joe (April 7, 2024). “Alex Balazs awarded ND GOP endorsement for House after Fedorchak withdraws, following pair of failed votes”. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  27. ^ “North Dakota At-Large Congressional District Primary Election Results”. The New York Times. June 11, 2024. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  28. ^ Steinhauser, Paul (June 11, 2024). “Trygve Hammer wins Democratic congressional primary in North Dakota”. Fox News. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  29. ^ “Julie Fedorchak’s campaign files complaints with FEC and FCC for alleged election interference and fraud”. Grand Forks Herald. June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  30. ^ STEURER, MARY (June 18, 2024). “Fedorchak files federal election complaints over text messages; alleges fraud, election interference”. The Bismarck Tribune. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  31. ^ “Attorney files federal complaint following deceptive Julie Fedorchak message”. KX NEWS. June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  32. ^ https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/05/us/elections/results-north-dakota-us-house-at-large.html
  33. ^ https://www.kfyrtv.com/2024/11/06/fedorchak-wins-will-become-states-first-woman-represent-north-dakotas-at-large-congressional-district/
  34. ^ Rubin, April (November 5, 2024). “North Dakota sends first woman to U.S. House, Mississippi still hasn’t”. Axios. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  35. ^ https://fedorchaknd.com/about/
  36. ^ “Kathleen Wrigley: What You Need To Know About Julie Fedorchak – Say Anything”. www.sayanythingblog.com. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  37. ^ “Official Results General Election – November 4, 2014”. North Dakota Voting Information & Central Election Systems. North Dakota Secretary of State. November 4, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  38. ^ a b “Official Results 2022 General Election”. North Dakota Voting Information & Central Election Systems. North Dakota Secretary of State. November 8, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  39. ^ “Official Results 2024 General Election”. North Dakota Voting Information & Central Election Systems. North Dakota Secretary of State. June 11, 2024. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  40. ^ “Official (without recounts) 2024 General Election Results”. Vote.nd.gov. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
Political offices
Preceded by

 Member of the North Dakota Public Service Commission
2012–present		Succeeded by

TBD
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by

 Member from North Dakota’s at-large congressional district
Taking office 2025		Elect


source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Fedorchak