Bismarck, ND – North Dakota’s U.S. House seat is temporarily vacant following Governor Kelly Armstrong’s departure at midnight on December 14. Armstrong’s resignation marked the start of a transition period as he assumed the governor’s office, leaving the state’s congressional seat unfilled until Congresswoman-elect Julie Fedorchak takes office on January 3.
During this interim, North Dakota will have no voting presence in the House of Representatives, as members of Congress cannot be appointed to fill the seat. A spokesperson for Fedorchak confirmed that no vote will be cast for North Dakota in the House during this time. The state’s federal legislative interests will be managed solely by its two U.S. Senators, John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, who will continue their roles in the Senate.
While Fedorchak eagerly anticipates assuming her new role, her office highlighted the brief disruption in House representation. The spokesperson expressed that Fedorchak is looking forward to officially taking her seat and representing the people of North Dakota once the new Congress begins next month.
In the meantime, North Dakotans will rely on their Senators for any actions that require federal legislative input, as there will be no direct voice in the House until Fedorchak’s swearing-in.
