November 30, 2020 •
North Dakota Supreme Court Rules Against Governor’s Appointment
The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled Gov. Doug Burgum does not have the statutory or constitutional authority to appoint a replacement for a state House seat won by a candidate who died before the election. David Andahl died on Oct. […]
The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled Gov. Doug Burgum does not have the statutory or constitutional authority to appoint a replacement for a state House seat won by a candidate who died before the election.
David Andahl died on Oct. 5 from complications related to COVID-19, but his name remained on the ballot as early voting had commenced weeks before his death.
A day after the election, Burgum appointed Washburn coal executive Wade Boeshans to the seat.
In a unanimous ruling, the justices ruled authority to appoint the replacement belongs to the District 8 Republican Executive Committee, who appointed the last holder of the seat, fellow Republican Jeff Delzer.
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