Senator Holmberg has a long history in North Dakota politics. If you told me in 2015 that he had some inappropriate relationships, I would’ve believed you. Like any other politician, officials have questionable ties. If you told me he’d be federally indicted, charged with international crimes involving minors, I probably would’ve laughed you out of the restaurant. After I poured him a glass of wine of course. Senator Holmberg was until recently, around early 2022, a very well-respected North Dakota elected official and the longest-serving legislator in state history. Generally well-liked and reputable, in recent years, his conversations with minors, sex offenders, and other concerning individuals led him to resign after nearly 40 years in the North Dakota Legislature. On Monday, the man was federally indicted on child pornography charges. While Holmberg’s actions are reprehensible and shameful, the subject matter of this text will focus on the individual’s rise through the North Dakota legislature, his collective impact, and his downfall. Before we dive into Raymond Holmberg’s resume and psyche, let’s first clarify three things. * It is a well-known Grand Cities “secret” that Senator Holmberg has inappropriate relationships with young people, to my knowledge; young men. * When mulling a run for state house and congress, I had contacted the senator as a constituent to bring College Affordability to the forefront of the political discussion for the upcoming 2023 session. I’d mentioned the recent legislation in New Mexico. I received a forgettable response that was less than exciting. * Senator Holmberg approached me on multiple occasions while I worked full-time as a server and bartender in the mid to late 2010s. It was made clear in one instance that his basement quarters were vacant. A veiled offer I refused out of principle. An offer that was made to myself and others on separate occasions. Thanks for reading Morning Queue! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Humble Beginnings Raymond was born on December 10th, 1943 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. In a recent PBS Interview from April of 2022, days before he stepped down, Ray mentioned his childhood in Trail County and Grand Forks County, from Cummings to Climax; “That usually gets them smiling.” I wonder if he’d use the same choice of words today, knowing he’s been charged with sexual offenses involving a minor. It sounds pretty gnarly. College & First Term Ray attended the University of North Dakota and earned his Master’s and Bachelor’s of Science. Running for his first term in 1975, shortly after the Federal Court redrew the federal districts in North Dakota, Ray was a faculty member at Central High School. Running unopposed in his second race, Ray had the world at his fingertips. He had no serious barriers to being re-elected until his resignation. Was the competition worthy? That’s a different story. The 90’s By this time, Senator Holmberg had secured a position as a guidance counselor at Central High School, cementing his career as a community educator. Further, the flood of 1997 made things difficult for a lot of Grand Cities Residents. Holmberg secured millions in federal funding to rebuild infrastructure and homes in Grand Forks in the years following the natural disaster. After the flood, Senator Holmberg felt more emboldened in his privilege as a legislator. Who wouldn’t? From a political perspective, he was unstoppable. Accomplishments Just a few years ago, The Grand Forks Herald awarded Senator Holmberg the most prestigious award that can be given locally. In 35 days, he’ll take the stand with indictments relating to child pornography and human trafficking during the last decade. This award is given to those who have made significant impacts in the communities they serve. In addition to securing tens of millions of dollars in funding for The University of North Dakota in several departments, the Senator allocated tens of millions to infrastructure projects in the Grand Cities. Ray was the chair of the North Dakota Senate’s Appropriations Committee for over 22 years. He was a talented legislator and is not dull when it comes to wits. Advancing the North Dakota drone program statewide was also made possible because of Holmberg’s contributions. Particularly, the Senator’s ability to work across the aisle and party lines was a major highlight of his Senate career spanning four decades. Perversions Speculation on the Senator’s personal life was often discussed in rural social circles. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ll skip ostracizing the individual but rather assess how Holmberg went from receiving the most prestigious award in the community to attempting to flee the country and cover his tracks during the last decade. A pattern is visible. Raymond was likely sexually stunted and closeted for years. Personally, I don’t have time for the gossip. Definitively, there is no definite answer. Nor do we need one. His actions would be deemed inappropriate by most sane persons regardless of orientation. Who’s to blame? At the bus stop on Monday, I could’ve sworn I saw a person who looked exactly like Senator Holmberg. The exception lied in the appearance of the individual as if he was trying to disguise himself or flee. I turned away and convinced myself it was someone else. Later, it would make sense when the Associated Press reported on Senator Holmberg’s federal indictment. I knew something was off. North Dakota voters recently approved a term limit measure for a maximum of two terms for any person running for elected office. In my view, I don’t know if any one person is completely at fault. Accountability in government matters and should concern any person. Should people serve the public in the same position for 40 years? Consistency is great, but not this style. What enabled Ray to behave this way? Conclusion - Just Desserts? Holmberg has kept a low profile since his resignation in early 2022, after being publicly shamed for exchanging 72 messages with a sex offender. We have yet to understand the full extent of the consequences Raymond may face when he takes the stand on December 5th, 2023. What is clear is that he has engaged in sexual acts with minors on several occasions internationally and illegally while using state funds. I personally do not believe in term-limits, though I wouldn’t be so sure that Senator Holmberg would have engaged in the unlawful, highly questionable behavior he has been implicated by in a political world with term-limits. A resume with more variety may have served the Senator well. Forty years in the same place, doing the same thing for the same people might be enough for any person to lose a screw or two. Just a guess. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit morningqueue.substack.com
