Dronen joins Schneider and Hager for District 21 Legislative Race

FARGO - The District 21 Democratic-NPL has a full slate of candidates. Representative Mary Schneider is seeking the Senate Seat currently held by Kathy Hogan, who is retiring. Representative LaurieBeth Hager is running for re-election, and joining the ticket is longtime political staffer Laura Dronen. North Dakota’s primary is Tuesday, June 6, and the general election is Tuesday, November 9.

Laura Dronen said, “District 21 has a long history of sending thoughtful and knowledgeable people to Bismarck, and I hope to carry that torch in the North Dakota House. I’ll fight to fully fund our public schools, lower costs for working families, and keep a watchful eye on the effects of data centers and the use of artificial intelligence in our communities.”

For over a decade, Dronen has helped others run for office. She has worked in multiple roles for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL, which has involved everything from strategizing voter outreach, running trainings, to managing organizing staff. Currently, she serves as the Communication and Digital Director and is a proud union member through IAM Local 2525.

Previously, she worked in Senator Heidi Heitkamp’s Fargo office, helping constituents with immigration, postal, and labor issues. She’s served as Chair for the District 21 Democratic-NPL and President of New Generation North Dakota. Dronen is a graduate of Fargo North and Concordia College, majoring in Global Studies and Classics.

“Health care and mental health care are issues that are deeply personal for me,” said Laura. After losing her husband, Erik Eggers, to suicide in 2022, Dronen advocated for suicide prevention bills in the 2023 and 2025 sessions. She said, “Suicide prevention will involve much more than what the legislature has had the appetite to fund in the past, which I hope we can change next session.”

Rep. Mary Schneider said, “Serving District 21 in the North Dakota Legislature for 12 years has been the honor of a lifetime. The work was made even more meaningful by being able to do it alongside people like Senator Kathy Hogan and Representative LaurieBeth Hager. From skyrocketing everyday costs to the challenges of finding affordable housing and childcare—the American Dream is further away than ever for so many in our community. It doesn’t have to be this way, and the folks living in District 21 deserve to have someone fighting like hell to make things a little easier and a little better.”

Schneider has her advanced law degree in international human rights from the National University of Ireland, her J.D. from Emory University, and her undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University. Schneider is the mother of Libby Schneider, Deputy Executive Director of the Democratic National Committee, and Mac Schneider, attorney, former U.S. Attorney, and former state Senator representing District 42 in Grand Forks. Her late husband Mark served as Chair of the Dem-NPL and practiced law in Fargo for 35 years.

Rep. LaurieBeth Hager has passionately advocated for policies to lift people out of poverty, like raising the minimum wage and funding free school meals.

“I want to continue to champion our public schools, fight for transparency in government, and advocate for the residents of District 21,” said Hager. “I am looking forward to serving with Laura Dronen. I initially met Laura when she was a Field Organizer at the campaign call center, and later when she was the Chairwoman of District 21. As a lifelong resident of the Hawthorne Neighborhood, Laura embodies the spirit of our district and the future of our state. Her passion for assisting others through behind-the-scenes political activities makes her ready on Day 1 to serve as the next State Representative in the ND House. “

Hager received her bachelor's degree from UND in Psychology and her master’s degree from NDSU in Counselor Education. She worked as a College Student Affairs Counselor and Administrator. Hager regularly volunteers at food pantries in the community. She currently serves on the Legislative Management, Education Committee, Higher Education Institutions Committee, Special Education Funding Committee, and Political Subdivisions Committee. Hager has previously served on the Higher Education and Transportation Committees.