Goehring leads race for ND agriculture commissioner

Nov. 9—BISMARCK — By late Tuesday night, Republican Doug Goehring had an overwhelming lead in the race for the North Dakota agriculture commissioner.

As of 10:25 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, Goehring has 75.3% of the vote, compared to Democratic challenger Fintan Dooley with 24.5%, with 71.4% of the precincts reporting.

"It's humbling that people are supporting you, electing you, and want you to carry on and do the work of the people and serve in the office," Goehring said.

He said he will continue to take a common-sense approach to how his office serves the people and how it regulates, oversees and provides guidance and structure on programs to make sure there is accountability, oversight and transparency.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is led by the agriculture commissioner.

The annual salary for the agriculture commissioner is $123,984. The term is four years.

Goehring has been the state agriculture commissioner since 2009, when he was appointed to the position by then-Gov. John Hoeven. He was reelected in 2010, 2014 and 2018.

Goehring is a third-generation farmer who operates a 2,800-acre, no-till farm near Menoken, North Dakota.

Dooley, a Bismarck environmental lawyer, previously said he was running for the position because he wants Goehring to learn how the oil and gas industry affects farmland. He previously said there is "no chance in hell" he would be elected over Goehring.