2016 North Dakota gubernatorial election
The 2016 North Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 2016, to elect the governor and lieutenant governor, alongside other elections. Incumbent Republican Jack Dalrymple did not run for re‑election.
The North Dakota Republican Party endorsed Wayne Stenehjem at its April convention, but the June 14 primary determined ballot access, and Doug Burgum won the GOP nomination in an upset over Stenehjem.
In the general election, Republican Doug Burgum defeated Democrat Marvin Nelson to become governor. Burgum’s running mate was Brent Sanford, and Nelson’s running mate was Joan Heckaman.
Vote results:
- Doug Burgum/Brent Sanford (Republican): 259,863 votes, 76.52%
- Marvin Nelson/Joan Heckaman (Democratic–NPL): 65,855 votes, 19.39%
Background notes:
- Burgum succeeded Dalrymple, who had become governor in 2012 after Hoeven left for the U.S. Senate. Dalrymple announced in 2015 he would not seek re‑election.
- This was North Dakota’s first open‑seat gubernatorial election since 2000.
- A court ruling in August 2016 struck down the state’s new voter ID requirements, so the election used the 2013 rules.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:24 (CET).