(Mandan, ND) – Republicans in North Dakota’s District 34 have named a replacement for the late North Dakota State Senator, Doug Larsen.
Larsen, along his wife and two of their children, died after taking off from a Moab, Utah, airport en route from Arizona to their North Dakota home earlier this month.
North Dakota state law requires that the Executive Committee of the party in which the seat is held is to name a replacement within 21 days of the death.
“We are all still grieving, so we are doing our best to balance honoring Doug’s memory and service while fulfilling our responsibility to the law and the citizens of District 34,” said Cody Schulz, District 34 Republican Chairman. “I am so thankful we have a passionate and dedicate Executive Committee that ensured the appointment process was done professionally and respectfully.”
The Committee appointed Justin Gerhardt to fill the seat for the remainder of Larsen’s term, which expires in 2024.
“I’m extremely saddened by the tragedy that brought us to this point, but incredibly honored for this opportunity to serve the people of Mandan,” said Senate Appointee Justin Gerhardt. “I am stepping into big shoes, filling the seat of Doug Larsen, and Dwight Cook before him. They both prioritized engaging with and listening to the residents of District 34 and I will work hard to live up to that legacy.”
