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Judges, attorneys apply for Supreme Court vacancy Wednesday, December 17, 2025

The Judicial Nominating Committee has received twelve applicants for the North Dakota Supreme Court vacancy created as a result of the retirement of Justice Daniel J. Crothers.

The applicants for the position are:

  • Ariston E. Johnson
  • Bonnie L. Storbakken
  • Briana L. Rummel
  • Jacob T. Rodenbiker
  • Kiara C. Kraus-Parr
  • Kirsten M. Sjue
  • Lindsey R. Nieuwsma
  • Mark A. Friese
  • Michael P. Hurly
  • Philip J. Axt
  • Ryan M. Norrell
  • Zachary E. Pelham

The committee will begin the process of vetting these candidates and will hold interviews in early 2026.

The judgeship will be filled under N.D.C.C. ch. 27-25-04.

N.D.C.C. 27-25-04 requires the governor, within 30 days after receiving the list of nominees, to: "1. Fill the vacancy by appointment from the list of nominees submitted by the committee. 2. Return the list of nominees and direct the committee to reconvene. 3. Call a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term."