A lawyer and politician who served as the 28th Attorney General of North Dakota, known for her work on Native American rights and women's issues. She was the first woman to hold the office of Attorney General in North Dakota.
Heidi Heitkamp is a name synonymous with trailblazing. As the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from North Dakota, she made history in 2012. But that wasn't her only first – she was also the first woman to hold statewide office in North Dakota, serving as the state's Attorney General from 1992 to 2000.
Heitkamp's dedication to public service is evident in her impressive resume. Prior to her Senate victory, she served as the 20th North Dakota Tax Commissioner from 1986 to 1992. Her commitment to her state and its people is unwavering, and she has consistently demonstrated her ability to work across party lines to achieve tangible results.
In 2000, Heitkamp ran for governor of North Dakota, ultimately losing to Republican John Hoeven. Although she didn't win, this experience only fueled her passion for public service. She considered running for the Democratic nomination in the 2010 U.S. Senate election but declined, paving the way for her eventual Senate victory in 2012.
In the 2012 election, Heitkamp faced off against Republican Congressman Rick Berg in the closest Senate race of that year. After a long and grueling campaign, she emerged victorious, winning by a narrow margin of just 3,000 votes.
After leaving the Senate in 2019, Heitkamp became a CNBC contributor and visiting fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics. She has since dedicated herself to helping Democrats reconnect with rural voters through her organization, One Country Project, which she co-founded with Senator Joe Donnelly of Indiana.
In January 2023, Heitkamp took on a new role as the director of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. This position allows her to continue her work in promoting bipartisanship and civility in politics, inspiring a new generation of leaders to follow in her footsteps.
Heidi Heitkamp's remarkable career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to public service and her commitment to breaking down barriers for women in politics. As a champion of rural America and a beacon of hope for those seeking a more inclusive and representative government, her legacy will continue to inspire and empower for generations to come.
78 Years Old
A Democratic senator from North Dakota, serving from 1987 to 2013, known for his work on the Senate Budget Committee and advocating for fiscal responsibility.
84 Years Old
A former US Senator from North Dakota, he's known for his advocacy on issues like healthcare and trade, as well as his work on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
69 Years Old
The 31st Governor of North Dakota, a Republican who served from 2000 to 2010, is known for his efforts to promote the state's energy industry and his role in shaping its economic development. He's also a former banker who brought his financial expertise to the governor's office.
78 Years Old
A decorated Vietnam War veteran who later became a prominent politician, serving as Senate Majority Leader and influential voice on healthcare policy.
79 Years Old
A Democratic Senator from South Dakota, serving from 1997 to 2015, known for his moderate stance and advocacy for rural healthcare and education .
72 Years Old
A former Governor of South Dakota, serving from 2003 to 2011, and later a US Senator, known for his conservative policies and advocacy for rural development.
