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FARGO -- U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana will be keynote speaker at the 16th Annual Burdick Dinner on Oct. 10 in Fargo, according to the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party.
"Senator Tester has a long history of standing up for rural America. As a third-generation farmer and former school teacher, Senator Tester is more than familiar with the issues facing us in North Dakota today. We're thrilled he'll be joining us,” Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said.
Heidi Heitkamp, who represented North Dakota in the U.S. Senate from 2013-2019, also will be speaking.
Democrats will recognize former U.S. Congressman Earl Pomeroy, State Rep. Gretchen Dobervich, Katrina Christiansen and Carter Hass for their achievements.
Pomeroy will receive the Art and Grace Link Lifetime Achievement Award. Pomeroy served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993-2011. He also served in the North Dakota House of Representatives and as North Dakota Insurance Commissioner. Pomeroy was a key vote for the Affordable Care Act.
Dobervich will receive the Hometown Hero Award. Dobervich, D-Fargo, has served in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2016. She has championed all things public health during her tenure, sponsoring bills to expand behavioral health services, strengthen maternal health and repeal an outdated and discriminatory HIV law.
Christiansen will receive the Spirit of the NPL award. Christiansen is an engineering professor who has worked as an agricultural engineer with multiple patents to her name and is an ardent advocate for rural North Dakota. Christiansen ran for U.S. Senate in 2022 and 2024, and she currently serves as the chair for the District 12 Democratic-NPL.
Hass is a student at Concordia College and a recent graduate of Valley City High School. Hass is a passionate advocate for youth civic engagement and leads by example every day using social media to educate the public on issues North Dakotans face.