Julie Fedorchak

Julie Fedorchak
Official House portrait of Fedorchak smiling in front of the U.S. flag, wearing a black blazer jacket, white shirt, and gold dog tag necklace.
Official portrait, 2025
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from North Dakota's at-large district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2025
Preceded byKelly Armstrong
Member of the North Dakota Public Service Commission
In office
December 31, 2012 – January 3, 2025
GovernorJack Dalrymple
Doug Burgum
Kelly Armstrong
Preceded byKevin Cramer
Succeeded byJill Kringstad
Personal details
Born
Julie Ann Liffrig

(1968-09-28) September 28, 1968
Williston, North Dakota, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseMichael Fedorchak
Children3
EducationUniversity of North Dakota (BA)
WebsiteHouse website
Campaign website

Julie Ann Fedorchak[1] (née Liffrig;[2] born September 28, 1968) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for North Dakota's at-large congressional district since 2025. A member of the Republican Party, Fedorchak is the first woman elected to the House of Representatives from North Dakota. She previously served as a member of the North Dakota Public Service Commission from 2012 to 2025 after being appointed by Governor Jack Dalrymple.[3]

Background

Fedorchak was born in Williston, North Dakota in 1968.[4] She is the youngest of eight children to parents Duane and Doris Liffrig. Duane previously served as Highway Commissioner to former Governor of North Dakota Allen Olson.

Fedorchak graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.[5] She later served as communications director for Governor Ed Schafer before becoming a columnist for the Bismarck Tribune and holding numerous other media roles.[6]

Fedorchak has also served on numerous boards.[7]

Public Service Commission

In 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.[8] Shortly after being fully elected to the commission, Fedorchak was also swiftly elected to chair the commission for a two-year term.[9]

Fedorchak was later re-elected in 2016 and in 2022 by wide margins.[10]

Fedorchak has overseen and assisted the commission in numerous projects and investments while also offering transparent information.[11]

U.S. House of Representatives

2024 election

In February 2024, Fedorchak announced her entry into the race for North Dakota's open U.S. House seat.[12][13] Fedorchak cited matters such as abortion, energy, and agriculture as issues she would focus on as a representative.[14] 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.[15][16][17]

During the NDGOP endorsement convention, candidate Rick Becker encouraged his supporters to write in spoiler ballots to prevent an endorsement from going through.[18][19] After 2 failed ballots, Fedorchak withdrew from the endorsement to allow the convention to continue, giving Alex Balazs the endorsment.[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]

In the June 11 primary, Fedorchak won the Republican nomination with 46% of the vote.[23] She would face Democrat Trygve Hammer in the general election.[24] 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.[25][26][27]

Fedorchak defeated Hammer in the election 69% to 30%, making her the first woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from North Dakota.[28][29] She is also the first Republican woman elected to Congress from North Dakota and the first woman to represent North Dakota in Congress since Heidi Heitkamp, who served in the U.S. Senate from 2013 to 2019.[30]

Tenure

Fedorchak was sworn in on January 3, 2025.[31] She was chosen in her first term to serve on the Energy and Commerce committee, where her predecessor had served as the Vice-Chair.[32] Fedorchak is also the first freshman member in 14 years to be appointed to the committee.[33]

Following a trend of congress members hosting Town hall meetings with constituents, Fedorchak hosted a virtual town hall on March 25, 2025.[34] When asked about the meeting being virtual, Fedorchak stated “I simply haven’t found any other venue that allows me to talk to like tonight 3,000 North Dakotans probably more than that because of Facebook and the online options.”[35] She has since hosted numerous online town halls.[36][37] Fedorchak has faced harsh criticism from constituents over the virtual platform.[38][39][40]

Fedorchak voted in favor of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.[41] On April 10, 2025, Fedorchak introduced legislation to remove the tax credits given in the Inflation Reduction Act to solar and wind energy, saying the credits pose “unprecedented reliability risks to the nations electrical grid due to their intermittent nature.”[42] However, she stated projects currently operating receiving these credits should continue to.[43]

In July of 2025, Fedorchak spoke out in avid support of the Big Beautiful Bill.[44][45][46] She was also vocal in support of the United States strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.[47] However, Fedorchak did differ from the administration in her calls for the Epstein Files to be released.[48]

Committee assignments

Personal life

Fedorchak has had three children with her husband, Michael Fedorchak.[5] They have been members of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit congregation in Bismarck for 30 years.[49]

Fedorchak's father, Duane, suffered from Alzheimer's disease before dying in 2015.[50]

Electoral history

North Dakota Public Service Commissioner special election, 2014[51]
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
North Dakota Public Service Commissioner election, 2016[52]
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
North Dakota Public Service Commissioner election, 2022[52]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Julie Fedorchak 165,183 71.3
Democratic–NPL Melanie Moniz 66,196 28.57
Write-in 311 0.13
Total votes 231,690 100.00
North Dakota At-Large Congressional District Republican Primary, 2024[53]
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
2024 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota[54]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Julie Fedorchak 249,101 69.24% +7.04%
Democratic–NPL Trygve Hammer 109,231 30.36% N/A
Write-in 1,455 0.40% +0.17%
Total votes 359,787 100.00% N/A

References

  1. ^ "Rep. Julie Fedorchak - R North Dakota, At-large - Biography". LegiStorm. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  2. ^ "About Julie Fedorchak for US Congress".
  3. ^ Smith, Nick (November 30, 2012). "Fedorchak named to PSC". Bismarck Tribune. Lee Enterprises. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ a b "Vote Smart | Facts For All". Vote Smart. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  6. ^ "About Julie Fedorchak for US Congress". Julie Fedorchak. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  7. ^ "Commissioner, North Dakota Public Service Commission | Aspen Ideas". Aspen Ideas Festival. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  8. ^ "Fedorchak launches bid to stay on Public Service Commission". Grand Forks Herald. November 2, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  9. ^ "Fedorchak to chair ND Public Service Commission". InForum. December 18, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  10. ^ "Julie Fedorchak". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  11. ^ "Commissioner Julie Fedorchak: Public Service Commission, North Dakota". www.psc.nd.gov. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  12. ^ Gick, Justin (February 19, 2024). "Julie Fedorchak discusses bid for US House". KFYR-TV.
  13. ^ Achterling, Michael (February 15, 2024). "Fedorchak enters North Dakota US House race against 2 Republican challengers". North Dakota Monitor.
  14. ^ "Fedorchak campaigns in Dickinson, addresses issues and endorses Trump". Dickinson Press. March 5, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  15. ^ "Former state Rep. Rick Becker seeks North Dakota's only US House seat". AP News. January 22, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  16. ^ "Former state senator announces run for North Dakota's lone US House seat". AP News. January 29, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ "What caused a deadlock for the North Dakota Republican endorsement for US House?". InForum. April 10, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  19. ^ Weiand, Zachary (April 7, 2024). "Tensions rise at NDGOP convention following protest votes from delegates". Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  20. ^ 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.
  21. ^ "Sen. John Hoeven endorses Julie Fedorchak for North Dakota's U.S. House seat". Grand Forks Herald. April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  22. ^ "Port: House candidate Julie Fedorchak wins the battle of legislative endorsements". InForum. March 13, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  23. ^ "North Dakota At-Large Congressional District Primary Election Results". The New York Times. June 11, 2024. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  24. ^ Steinhauser, Paul (June 11, 2024). "Trygve Hammer wins Democratic congressional primary in North Dakota". Fox News. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  25. ^ "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.
  26. ^ Steurer, Mary (June 18, 2024). "Fedorchak files federal election complaints over text messages; alleges fraud, election interference". The Bismarck Tribune. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  27. ^ "Attorney files federal complaint following deceptive Julie Fedorchak message". KX NEWS. June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  28. ^ "North Dakota At-Large Congressional District Election Results". The New York Times. November 5, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
  29. ^ Gick, Justin (November 6, 2024). "Fedorchak wins, will become state's first woman to represent North Dakota's at-large congressional district". www.kfyrtv.com. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
  30. ^ Rubin, April (November 5, 2024). "North Dakota sends first woman to U.S. House, Mississippi still hasn't". Axios. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  31. ^ "Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak sworn into U.S House of Representatives". KX NEWS. January 6, 2025. Archived from the original on January 18, 2025. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  32. ^ Achterling, Michael (January 2, 2025). "Fedorchak to hold energy committee post as she begins term in Congress • North Dakota Monitor". North Dakota Monitor. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  33. ^ "Fedorchak appointed to the Committee on Energy and Commerce". KFYR. December 13, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  34. ^ "Rep. Fedorchak announces tele-town hall March 25 • North Dakota Monitor".
  35. ^ Kramer, Ethan (March 25, 2025). "Rep. Julie Fedorchak hosts telephone town hall". Valley News Live.
  36. ^ "Julie Fedorchak says she will host more virtual town halls, but not in-person ones". Grand Forks Herald. April 15, 2025.
  37. ^ "Rep. Julie Fedorchak schedules a second telephone town hall". The Flag - AM 1100 and FM 92.3 WZFG.
  38. ^ Coursey, Grant (July 22, 2025). "North Dakota US Rep. Fedorchak faces frustration in 1st forum after 'big, beautiful bill'". The Bismarck Tribune.
  39. ^ "Former Congressional candidate to host People's Town Hall".
  40. ^ Achterling, Amy Dalrymple, Michael (March 18, 2025). "North Dakotans rally for town hall meetings with congressional delegation • North Dakota Monitor".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/fedorchak-votes-in-favor-of-the-save-act/
  42. ^ Portuondo, Nico (April 10, 2025). "Republican bill would phase out wind, solar credits". E&E News by POLITICO.
  43. ^ "Fedorchak says bill cutting wind, solar subsidies sends 'the right signals' to power companies". Grand Forks Herald. April 12, 2025.
  44. ^ "Hoeven, Fedorchak to discuss 'One Big Beautiful Bill' in Bismarck press conference". WDAY Radio - AM 970 and FM 93.1.
  45. ^ "North Dakota federal delegation returns to laud 'big beautiful bill'". InForum. July 7, 2025.
  46. ^ "North Dakota Rep. Julie Fedorchak to host third virtual town hall to discuss 'big beautiful bill'". InForum. May 28, 2025.
  47. ^ "North Dakota's John Hoeven, Kevin Cramer and Julie Fedorchak stand behind military strike against Iran". Grand Forks Herald. June 22, 2025.
  48. ^ "North Dakota's congressional delegation supports release of Epstein files". Jamestown Sun. July 25, 2025.
  49. ^ "About Julie Fedorchak for US Congress". Julie Fedorchak. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
  50. ^ "Duane Liffrig Obituary (2015) - Bismarck, ND - The Bismarck Tribune". Legacy.com.
  51. ^ "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.
  52. ^ 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.
  53. ^ "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.
  54. ^ "Official (without recounts) 2024 General Election Results". Vote.nd.gov. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
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