Julie Fedorchak (née Liffrig) is an American politician who is a member of the North Dakota Public Service Commission and a candidate for the United States Congress.[2] She was appointed to the commission by Governor Jack Dalrymple in December 2012[3] 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.[4][5]
Julie Fedorchak | |
|---|---|
 Fedorchak in 2023 | |
| Member of the North Dakota Public Service Commission | |
| Assumed office December 31, 2012 | |
| Governor | Jack Dalrymple Doug Burgum |
| Preceded by | Kevin Cramer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Julie Ann Liffrig[1] 1968 (age 55–56) Williston, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Michael Fedorchak |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of North Dakota (BA) |
| Website | julie4nd.com |
Background
editFedorchak was born in Williston, North Dakota in 1968.[6] She is the youngest of 8 to parents Duane and Doris Liffrig. Duane previously serving as Highway Commissioner to former Governor of North Dakota Allen Olson.[7]
Fedorchak graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.[8] She later served as communications director for Governor Ed Schafer before becoming a columnist for the Bismarck Tribune and doing numerous other media work.[9]
Fedorchak has also served on numerous boards.[10]
Public Service Commission
editIn 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.[11] Shortly after being fully elected to the commission, Fedorchak was also swiftly elected to chair the commission for a two year term.[12]
Fedorchak was later re-elected in 2016 and in 2022 by wide margins.[13]
Fedorchak has overseen and assisted the commission in numerous projects and investments while also offering transparent information.[14]
2024 US House race
editIn February of 2024, Fedorchak announced her entry into the race for North Dakota's open US House seat.[15][16]
Fedorchak cited matters such as abortion, energy, and agriculture as issues she would focus on as a representative.[17] 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.[18][19][20]
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.[21][22]
During the NDGOP endorsement convention, candidate Rick Becker encouraged his supporters to write in spoiler ballots to prevent an endorsement from going through.[23][24] After 2 failed ballots, Fedorchak withdrew from the endorsement to allow the convention to continue, giving Alex Balazs the endorsment.[25]
On the June 11 primary, Fedorchak won the Republican nomination with 46% of the vote.[26] She will face Democrat Trygve Hammer in the general election.[27]
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.[28][29][30]
Personal life
editFedorchak has had 3 kids with her husband, Michael Fedorchak. She enjoys being active, reading, and traveling in her free time.[8]
Fedorchak's father, Duane, suffers from Alzheimers.[31]
Electoral history
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Julie Fedorchak | 156,596 | 65.99 | |
| Democratic–NPL | Tyler Axness | 80,319 | 33.84 | |
| Write-in | 401 | 0.17 | ||
| Total votes | 237,316 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Julie Fedorchak | 218,961 | 68.76 | |
| Democratic–NPL | Marlo Hunte-Beaubrun | 72,028 | 22.62 | |
| Libertarian | Thomas Skadeland | 26,913 | 8.45 | |
| Write-in | 563 | 0.18 | ||
| Total votes | 318,465 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Julie Fedorchak | 165,183 | 71.3 | |
| Democratic | Melanie Moniz | 66,196 | 28.57 | |
| Write-in | 311 | 0.13 | ||
| Total votes | 231,690 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Julie Fedorchak | 43,137 | 45.90 | |
| Republican | Rick Becker | 27,771 | 29.57 | |
| Republican | Cara Mund | 18,343 | 19.53 | |
| Republican | Alexander C. Balazs | 3,758 | 4.00 | |
| Republican | Sharlet Mohr | 795 | 0.35 | |
| Write-in | 109 | 0.12 | ||
| Total votes | 93,913 | 100.00 | ||
References
edit- ^ "About Julie Fedorchak for US Congress".
- ^ "Commissioner Julie Fedorchak". Public Service Commission, North Dakota. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
- ^ Smith, Nick (November 30, 2012). "Fedorchak named to PSC". Bismarck Tribune. Lee Enterprises. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
- ^ Smith, Nick (January 6, 2016). "Julie Fedorchak announces 2016 campaign". Bismarck Tribune. Lee Enterprises. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
- ^ Miller, Jr., James B. (November 8, 2022). "Incumbents retain seats in ND Public Service Commission races". The Dickinson Press.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Kathleen Wrigley: What You Need to Know About Julie Fedorchak – Say Anything".
- ^ a b "Vote Smart | Facts For All". Vote Smart. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "About Julie Fedorchak for US Congress". Julie Fedorchak. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "Commissioner, North Dakota Public Service Commission | Aspen Ideas". Aspen Ideas Festival. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "Fedorchak launches bid to stay on Public Service Commission". Grand Forks Herald. November 2, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "Fedorchak to chair ND Public Service Commission". InForum. December 18, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "Julie Fedorchak". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "Commissioner Julie Fedorchak: Public Service Commission, North Dakota". www.psc.nd.gov. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ Gick, Justin (February 19, 2024). "Julie Fedorchak discusses bid for US House". KFYR-TV.
- ^ Achterling, Michael (February 15, 2024). "Fedorchak enters North Dakota US House race against 2 Republican challengers". North Dakota Monitor.
- ^ "Fedorchak campaigns in Dickinson, addresses issues and endorses Trump". Dickinson Press. March 5, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "Former state Rep. Rick Becker seeks North Dakota's only US House seat". AP News. January 22, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "Former state senator announces run for North Dakota's lone US House seat". AP News. January 29, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Sen. John Hoeven endorses Julie Fedorchak for North Dakota's U.S. House seat". Grand Forks Herald. April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "Port: House candidate Julie Fedorchak wins the battle of legislative endorsements". InForum. March 13, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "What caused a deadlock for the North Dakota Republican endorsement for US House?". InForum. April 10, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ Weiand, Zachary (April 7, 2024). "Tensions rise at NDGOP convention following protest votes from delegates". Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "North Dakota At-Large Congressional District Primary Election Results". The New York Times. June 11, 2024. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ Steinhauser, Paul (June 11, 2024). "Trygve Hammer wins Democratic congressional primary in North Dakota". Fox News. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ STEURER, MARY (June 18, 2024). "Fedorchak files federal election complaints over text messages; alleges fraud, election interference". The Bismarck Tribune. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "Attorney files federal complaint following deceptive Julie Fedorchak message". KX NEWS. June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "Kathleen Wrigley: What You Need To Know About Julie Fedorchak – Say Anything". www.sayanythingblog.com. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
External links
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