Brace yourselves, North Dakota -- a dozen legal minds are squaring off for a coveted seat on the state’s Supreme Court, and the stakes couldn’t be higher, as North Dakota Monitor reports.

With Justice Daniel Crothers retiring after 20 years, twelve candidates, including four district court judges, have applied to fill the vacancy, while Gov. Kelly Armstrong holds the decisive power to appoint or call for a public vote.

Last month, Crothers revealed his plan to step down in February, closing a significant chapter of service and opening the door to a heated selection process.

Retirement Triggers High-Stakes Judicial Race

The application period ended Tuesday afternoon, locking in a field of twelve hopefuls eager to don the robe of a Supreme Court justice.

Among them are prominent figures like Philip Axt, the state’s solicitor general, and Mark Friese, a defense attorney with Vogel Law Firm in Fargo, each bringing a unique perspective to the table.

Also in the mix are district court judges such as Michael Hurly from Rugby and Lindsey Nieuwsma from Mandan, whose courtroom experience could weigh heavily in their favor.

Varied Talent Pool Steps Forward

Other contenders include civil litigator Ariston Johnson from Watford City, Grand Forks attorney Kiara Kraus-Parr, and Ryan Norrell, vice president of government relations at Basin Electric Power Cooperative, showcasing a blend of legal and corporate backgrounds.

The roster continues with Zachary Pelham from Pearce Durick, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Rodenbiker, and Bismarck-based litigator Briana Rummel, each vying for a shot at shaping state law.

Rounding out the list are Judges Kirsten Sjue from Williston and Bonnie Storbakken from Mandan, adding further judicial heft to an already competitive field.

Committee to Narrow Crowded Field

A nominating committee, overseen by Tony Weiler, Executive Director of the North Dakota State Bar Association -- though he doesn’t vote -- will pare down the applicants to between two and seven finalists.

This committee, with voting members like Justice Jerod Tufte and Eric Lahlum, faces the daunting task of ensuring the nominees prioritize constitutional principles over fleeting cultural trends.

Interviews with candidates are set for the third week of January, offering a chance to probe their views on law and justice -- hopefully steering clear of progressive agendas that often creep into judicial rulings.

Governor’s Choice Looms Large

Once the committee submits its shortlist, Gov. Armstrong, a Republican, must decide whether to appoint from the nominees, request additional names, or let the public have a say through a vote.

That choice could be a bulwark against judicial overreach, ensuring the court remains a defender of traditional values rather than a tool for social experimentation.

North Dakotans are watching closely, hoping Armstrong selects a justice who respects the rule of law over the latest woke talking points that seem to infiltrate every institution these days.

Conservative Values Hang in Balance

While no direct statements from candidates or officials are available to cite at this time, the absence of rhetoric only heightens the anticipation surrounding this process.

Justice Crothers’ exit after two decades leaves a void, and with twelve contenders, the pressure is on to pick someone who won’t bend to modern fads disguised as legal interpretation.

This isn’t just about filling a seat; it’s about safeguarding North Dakota’s judicial system from becoming another battleground for divisive, trend-driven policies that erode common sense.