Rep. Jason Dockter, R-Bismarck, testifies during his misdemeanor criminal trial at the Burleigh County Courthouse on May 3, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – North Dakota Democrats are calling for Docktor’s resignation after he was convicted Friday of conflict of interest.
House Minority Leader Zac Ista from Grand Forks says Docktor needs to step down after being convicted of using his office for personal gain.
“Representative Dockter must resign after a jury convicted him of using his public office for personal gain,” Ista said. “He has the right to appeal his conviction, but he should step aside from the privilege of serving in the Legislature. All North Dakotans deserve elected officials who are acting only in the best interests of the citizens of our great state.”
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn says the conviction should serve as a warning for those seeking personal gain from public office.
“Let this be a warning to anyone who thinks they can use an elected office to enrich themselves and deceive the American public: No one is above the law,” Goldwyn said.
North Dakota republicans have criticized the criminal prosecution of Docktor.
House Majority Leader Mike Lefor from Dickinson says the case sets a bad precedent, and he doesn’t want lawmakers worrying about doing their job.
North Dakota lawmakers are required to speak out if they believe they have a personal or private interest in the outcome of a bill, a policy intended to prevent officials from using their positions for their own personal gain.
Conflict declarations are extremely rare. State lawmakers claimed conflicts on bills just three times in 2023.
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