BISMARCK — Kevin Cramer has announced his bid for a second term as U.S. Senator for North Dakota.
Cramer, who served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives for North Dakota, attributed his original decision to run for Senate to former President Donald Trump.
About six years ago, Cramer and his family went to the Oval Office for a meeting with Trump, he said in a Thursday, Feb. 22 announcement of his candidacy.
At first, Cramer refused to pursue a Senate seat and announced he would run for a fourth term as representative, but he changed his mind when Trump called him a short time later, Cramer said in the announcement.
"President Trump, armed with compelling poll numbers, called again with a simple message," Cramer wrote. "He said, 'Kevin, we've looked at all of the poll numbers and candidates and the fact of the matter is simply this — if you run, Republicans will win the seat. If you don’t run, Democrats will keep the seat. I need you.'"
ADVERTISEMENT
Cramer said his wife, Kris, summed it up, "I guess we have to do it!"
In 2018, he successfully won the seat with 55% of the vote over incumbent Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat.
Cramer has been working in politics since then-Gov. John Hoeven appointed him to the Public Service Commission in 2003, and in 2004 he was elected to the position, according to Cramer's website.
He serves on the Armed Services, Environment and Public Works, Veterans Affairs, and Banking and Housing and Urban Affairs committees, according to his website.
"So with a grateful heart and the sufficiency of God’s grace, with the blessing of our family and the support of Kris — the most incredible woman of faith I know — I will seek the Republican nomination to continue the work we have begun in the United States Senate for North Dakota," Cramer said.
If he remains unopposed by other GOP candidates, Cramer will face Democrat Katrina Christiansen in the November election.
The Trust Project
