VALLEY CITY, N.D. (DEM-NPL) – 41 Democratic-NPL loyalists in District 24 gathered in convention on Sunday, Jan. 25 to participate in grassroots policy making, which is the backbone of the party’s Nonpartisan League (NPL) foundation.

The group worked through discussions and multiple amendments to reach final agreement on their 2026 district platform, which emphasized six broad goals: affordable healthcare for all; strong public schools; a thriving rural economy; protection of freedoms; safe, secure communities; and mitigation of climate change in order to secure clean water and air. Throughout the afternoon the conventioneers’ seriousness of purpose and evident passion filled the meeting room at Valley City’s Gaukler Wellness Center. Statements grieving the recent killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti clearly reflected the gravity of the nation’s current distress.

Guest speaker Bob Valeu was enthusiastically received; he is the current chair of the Bismarck-Mandan Democratic-NPL. Valeu has been a leader in the North Dakota Democratic-NPL for many years, having served as Executive Director from 1966 to 1969 and later as Party Chair. He also served as State Director for former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan.

The convention also approved a full slate of local delegates to the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention to be held in Bismarck on March 6-8. Attending from District 24 will be: Linda Brastrup Johnson, Nancy Farnham, Tom Farnham, Mike Ferrel, Pete Gjovik, Carter Hass, Hunter Heck, Steven Johnson, Christy Olauson, Shawn Olauson, Charlene Rawson, Dan Spiekermeier and Vicki Voldal Rosenau. Alternates are Hannah Beebe, Peg Ferrel and Mary Friesz.