Three of the four Legislative floor leaders in the 2023 session will be new.
The two current Republican majority leaders – Dickinson Senator Rich Wardner and Carrington Representative Chet Pollert – are retiring, and Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman of New Rockford will not seek re-election, as her Legislative district has changed, because of redistricting.
Pollert was the latest to announce his retirement from both the floor leader position and the Legislature.
"I wish I could serve with him longer," said House Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D-Fargo).
Boschee said the leaders worked together to guide things through the pandemic, as well as the regular and special Legislative sessions of 2021.
"It's been a tough two years for all of us," Boschee said. "But it allowed us to grow together."
Boschee said all four leaders have had "practically full-time jobs" because of the challenges.
"We've depended on one another a lot," Boschee said. "Seeing Chet, Rich and Joan no longer planning to serve, is disheartening."
Boschee is planning to seek re-election to his leadership job.
As to working with new majority leadership, Boschee said he hopes his Republican colleagues will elect a leader who will take the job seriously.
"We've seen plenty of 'distraction bills,' and national headline-type legislation that doesn't do anything for North Dakota," Boschee said. "We need a leader who will focus on what's best for our people and for our economy. Let's get the job done and go home."
No Republican has yet announced for House or Senate floor leader.