In Bismarck, North Dakota, Republican Rep. Robin Weisz of Hurdsfield was elected House majority leader on Wednesday night, joining Senate Republican leader Sen. David Hogue of Minot. Both leaders ran unopposed, reflecting the party’s strong supermajorities.
Experience and leadership style
Weisz, a 70‑year‑old lifelong farmer, first won election in 1996 and has served continuously for three decades. He previously spent nearly two years as speaker of the 94‑member House and will hold both the speaker and majority‑leader roles until a new speaker is chosen in early December.
He highlighted his calm, even‑tempered approach, saying, “I’m not always going to be happy with things, but I keep that even temperament, keep the even keel and work out the issues and go forward.”
Legislative priorities
Weisz chaired the House Human Services Committee for more than a decade, overseeing bills on topics ranging from abortion regulations to medical marijuana and vaccines. He was the chief sponsor of Measure 1, a constitutional amendment that would have required a 60% vote to change the state constitution; voters rejected the measure by about 56%.
He noted the diversity within the 80‑member Republican caucus, saying, “We have ultraconservative to maybe relatively liberal, but they’re all part of our caucus. They have a voice.” He pledged to listen to the broad range of opinions and to address challenges fairly.
Senate leadership and upcoming session
Sen. David Hogue, who has led Senate Republicans since 2022, emphasized mentorship and delegation as his leadership approach. Both leaders will guide the Legislature through the 2027 biennial session, which will see many new faces as term limits force most incumbents out by 2031.
The Legislature’s organizational session begins Dec. 1, with the budget address from Gov. Kelly Armstrong expected to outline priorities for the next two years. Republicans currently control the House 80‑14 and the Senate 41‑6.
Other leadership selections
House Republicans also chose Rep. Greg Stemen of Fargo as assistant majority leader, Rep. Jim Grueneich of Ellendale as caucus leader, and nominated Rep. Brandy Pyle of Casselton for speaker. Senate Republicans re‑elected Sen. Jerry Klein of Fessenden as assistant majority leader and Sen. Kristin Roers of Fargo as caucus leader.
Lawmakers will take office on Dec. 1, and the majority and minority leaders receive an additional $20 per calendar day during sessions.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
