FARGO, N.D. – On Thursday, Jan. 15, State Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) announced that she would not seek reelection, retiring this year at the end of her term with the North Dakota Legislature, according to a press release from the North Dakota Democratic-Nonpartisan League Party.
Hogan has represented District 21 in the North Dakota Senate since 2018. Prior to that, she represented the same district in the North Dakota House of Representatives, serving 2009 to 2018, also serving as House Assistant Minority Leader 2017 to 2018.
Not content to rest on her laurels, Hogan hosted a candidate interest meeting this past Saturday, Jan 17 at 10 a.m. at the Fargo Democratic-NPL Office for those interested in running for office up or down the ballot.
Many of her colleagues came forward to praise her years of service.
“Kathy has served North Dakotans and District 21 with intellect and heart,” said Heidi Heitkamp, the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from North Dakota, who served from 2013 to 2019. “She consistently delivered wins for the marginalized, and her advocacy for health care, Medicaid recipients, and our state’s children will be hallmarks of her service. Her ability to lead with compassion and humor will be greatly missed at the Capitol.”
When asked for comment on KFGO Radio the same day of Hogan’s announcement, Gov. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) remarked, “Kathy is a dear friend, Kathy is somebody who I enjoy having meetings with, even when I know (at) the end of the meeting we are not going to be on the same page. Kathy is the consummate public servant. And Kathy is somebody who makes me smile when I get a hug from her every time I see her in the hall. … I wish her all the best. … I understand her personal reasons, but it is a big loss for the North Dakota Legislature.”
Assistant Senate Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) said, “Sen. Hogan continues to leave a legacy for all North Dakotans. Well before she was elected to the legislature, she played an instrumental role in improving the quality of life for our citizens and working towards a healthier North Dakota. She will be greatly missed in the Capitol, but I know Sen. Hogan will continue to help move our state forward as she enjoys her retirement from public service.”
“No matter your political affiliation in North Dakota, Kathy Hogan is truly a state treasure,” DNC Committeewoman Renae Aarfor remarked. “Every morning, she asks herself how she can make life better for everyone—and then she goes out and makes it happen.”
“Kathy Hogan is the gold standard of public service,” House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said. “She cares deeply, works tirelessly, listens patiently, and acts courageously. Her mark on this state is indelible, and her legacy will be long-remembered and appreciated. I will miss my friend and mentor in the legislature, but I know she’s always just a phone call away enjoying her well-earned retirement.”
“Senator Hogan is an institution in and of herself,” said Democratic-NPL Communications Director and Former District 21 Chair Laura Dronen. “Despite being in the minority, Democrats have been able to accomplish many important policies with Kathy deftly guiding the helm. Much of what has made our district party successful has started with discussions around her dining room table.”
Dronen also spoke on Hogan’s thoughtfulness. “She’s a vigorous advocate for North Dakota’s most vulnerable. Guided by her faith, she approaches everything she does with a love of humanity. This extends well beyond policymaking. When my husband died, she was among the first people to ask what I needed and ran to her home to get sleep meds and melatonin so I would be able to rest. I’m not unique in receiving Kathy’s kindness and compassion. Her wealth of knowledge will be missed in the Capitol, but I’m grateful our district and state party will continue to benefit from her generous presence.”
“Sen. Hogan is one of a kind, who is and has been a true public servant,” said former Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman. “Respect is a word I think of when I think of her time in the legislature. She is and was respected by legislators from both chambers as well as staff, the press, and visitors to the Capitol. She is a person of great integrity, a consensus builder, and a mediator. She is not afraid to say exactly what she means. I don’t expect Sen. Hogan to put her phone and computer away Nov. 30. I would hope she will channel her skills to local issues and her love of non-profits. We are all better from knowing and working with Kathy. None better and there never will be!”
