BISMARCK -A former candidate for North Dakota state auditor is seeking to win party support to become the next Democratic-NPL party chairman.

Patrick Hart, who ran for state auditor in 2020, has announced his intention to seek the chair position. Kari Breker announced her intention to seek the position of vice chair.

Hart serves as the current vice chair. He owns Anytime Works, a construction company in Bismarck, and holds a master’s degrees in project management and business administration from University of Mary.

“There is a lot of potential and energy in the party,” Hart said. “We have had some losses at the ballot box but there is a tremendous infrastructure and talent across the state and in our staff. With no national or statewide office holder this is a time that we can look at as an opportunity to create a party from the ground up.”

Breker ran for N.D. Senate in District 16 in West Fargo in 2020. She operates a photography business in Fargo and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of North Dakota.

“I want to continue to serve my friends, family, and North Dakotans and feel this is a good fit as I love the creative side of problem solving,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot about the Dem-NPL, my district, and myself and want to continue to ensure the values of our party help create a society that values human rights, common sense problem solving and opportunity for all.”

Current Chair Kylie Oversen announced last month that she will not seek a fourth term.