Claire Cory (born September 11, 1998) is an American politician serving as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from the 42nd district. She assumed office on October 11, 2019, succeeding Jake Blum.
Claire Cory | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) | |
| Member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from the 42nd district | |
| Assumed office October 11, 2019 Serving with Emily O'Brien | |
| Preceded by | Jake Blum |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 11, 1998 Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | University of North Dakota |
Early life and education
Cory was born and raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She graduated from Grand Forks Central High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration and political science from the University of North Dakota.[1]
Career
In 2018, Cory worked as an intern for the North Dakota Republican Party and United States Senate. She also volunteered on Kevin Cramer's re-election campaign.[2] She was also an election worker for Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Cory was selected to succeed Jake Blum in the North Dakota House of Representatives in October 2019.[3][4] Cory assumed her office on October 11, 2019, and was subsequently elected in November 2020. She is the youngest female ever elected to the legislature in the state of North Dakota.[citation needed]
In August 2021, Cory created a Change.org petition demanding that the University of North Dakota remove its policy on face masks.[5]
In August 2022, Cory was revealed to be a member of a Telegram group called the North Dakota Young Republicans which "frequently featured bigoted slurs and white supremacist tropes" in its messages between members, including personal attacks against gay public figures, such as House member Joshua Boschee, as well as anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.[6] Despite claiming she had the group muted and did not read the messages, she was shown to have posted messages in the group.[6] "The statements in question do not represent my values or those of my district," said Cory. "Representative Boschee is a legislator who serves his district admirably, and while I disagree with him politically, his sexuality should not be used as a personal attack."[6]
On February 26, 2024, Cory announced a campaign for the District 42 North Dakota Senate seat being vacated by Curt Kreun.[7] Cory would go on to win the primary and secure the Republican nomination for the seat in June,[8] before winning the seat over Democratic challenger Rodney Gigstad in November.[9]
Legal issues
Cory was arrested and charged with driving under the influence on May 7, 2024,[10] with a reported blood alcohol content of 0.186%.[11] She initially pled not guilty,[12] but later plead guilty to an amended charge of reckless driving on July 2, 2024.[11]
References
- ^ Wenzel, Korrie (12 October 2019). "District 42 selects Claire Cory to fill vacant House spot". Grand Forks Herald. Archived from the original on 2019-10-12. Retrieved 2021-08-24.[failed verification]
- ^ Kautzman, Alex (8 February 2021). "Despite contentiousness, young North Dakotans continue to engage in politics". Grand Forks Herald. Archived from the original on 2021-02-08. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ "Claire Cory". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ Mook, Sydney (30 January 2021). "New Grand Forks legislators Claire Cory and Zachary Ista adjust to life in Bismarck". Grand Forks Herald. Archived from the original on 2021-01-30. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ "Petition launched to remove UND's mask mandate". news.yahoo.com. 24 August 2021. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ a b c Port, Rob (August 19, 2022). "Republican message group posted slurs while candidates, activists, and elected officials looked on". The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
- ^ "Rep. Claire Cory announces bid for North Dakota Senate". Grand Forks Herald. 2024-02-26. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
- ^ "Claire Cory takes District 42 Republican Senate primary; Osowski, O'Brien win in House primary". Grand Forks Herald. 2024-06-12. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
- ^ "Cory and Meyer win Grand Forks Senate seats; Vetter and O'Brien retain House positions". Grand Forks Herald. 2024-11-06. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
- ^ "Grand Forks state Rep. Claire Cory charged with driving under the influence". InForum. 2024-05-07. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ a b "Grand Forks Rep. Claire Cory pleads guilty to reckless driving". Grand Forks Herald. 2024-07-10. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
- ^ "Grand Forks Rep. Claire Cory's DUI arraignment canceled". Grand Forks Herald. 2024-05-21. Retrieved 2024-07-10.