2008 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota

The 2008 election for North Dakota's at-large congressional district took place on November 4, 2008. The incumbent, Democratic-NPL Congressman Earl Pomeroy, was re-elected to his ninth term. Republican Duane Sand formally announced that he was running on March 20, 2008. He previously challenged Pomeroy in 2004.

2008 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota

← 2006 November 4, 2008 (2008-11-04) 2010 →

Nominee Earl Pomeroy Duane Sand Party Democratic–NPL Republican Popular vote 194,577 119,388 Percentage 62.0% 38.0%

County results Precinct results Pomeroy:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Sand:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Tie:      50%

U.S. Representative before election Earl Pomeroy Democratic–NPL Elected U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy Democratic–NPL

Initial speculation for a Republican challenger included Governor of North Dakota John Hoeven and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, who were enjoying very high approval ratings throughout their terms of office. State Representative Kim Koppelman and State House Majority Leader Rick Berg ruled themselves out of the running on February 20, 2008,^[1][2] Another possible challenger was Brian Kalk, who decided to run for Public Service Commissioner and was successful in the November election.

As of 2025, this is the last time that the Democratic-NPL won North Dakota's House seat.

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report[3]	Safe D	November 6, 2008
Rothenberg[4]	Safe D	November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[5]	Safe D	November 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics[6]	Safe D	November 7, 2008
CQ Politics[7]	Safe D	November 6, 2008

Results

North Dakota's at-large congressional district election, 2008^[8]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic–NPL	Earl Pomeroy (incumbent)	194,577	61.97
	Republican	Duane Sand	119,388	38.03
Total votes			313,965	100.00
	Democratic–NPL hold

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

• Bowman (largest city: Bowman)
• Dunn (largest city: Killdeer)
• Emmons (largest city: Linton)
• Golden Valley (largest city: Beach)
• Oliver (largest city: Center)
• Sheridan (largest city: McClusky)
• Slope (largest city: Marmarth)