The 2000 North Dakota gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 2000 for the post of Governor of North Dakota. Incumbent Republican Governor Ed Schafer decided not to run for reelection. Republican nominee John Hoeven won the election over Democratic State Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp. Heitkamp had led in the polls until early October, when reports indicated that she had breast cancer, and would undergo surgery. She ran advertisements to assure voters she was still fit to serve; however, by the final month, Hoeven had taken a six-point lead in polling.^[1] As of 2021, this is the most recent North Dakota gubernatorial election in which the Democratic nominee received over 40% of the vote. Hoeven and Heitkamp later served alongside each other in the United States Senate from 2013 to 2019.

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...

2000 North Dakota gubernatorial election

← 1996 November 7, 2000 2004 →

Nominee John Hoeven Heidi Heitkamp Party Republican Democratic–NPL Running mate Jack Dalrymple Aaron Krauter Popular vote 159,255 130,144 Percentage 55.0% 45.0%

County results Hoeven:      50–60%      60–70% Heitkamp:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Governor before election Ed Schafer Republican Elected Governor John Hoeven Republican

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