2018 United States Senate election in North Dakota

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 2018 United States Senate election in North Dakota

| country = North Dakota

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 2012 United States Senate election in North Dakota

| previous_year = 2012

| next_election = 2024 United States Senate election in North Dakota

| next_year = 2024

| election_date = November 6, 2018

| turnout = 56.27% {{decrease}}

| image1 = File:Kevin Cramer, official portrait, 116th congress (cropped).jpg

| nominee1 = Kevin Cramer

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 179,720

| percentage1 = 55.11%

| image2 = File:Heidi Heitkamp official portrait 113th Congress (cropped).jpg

| image_size = x150px

| nominee2 = Heidi Heitkamp

| party2 = North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party

| popular_vote2 = 144,376

| percentage2 = 44.27%

| map_image = {{switcher|251px|County results|251px|State senate district results|251px|Precinct results}}

| map_caption = Cramer: {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40—50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#c21b18|80–90%}} {{legend0|#a80000|>90%}}
Heitkamp: {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}

| title = U.S. Senator

| before_election = Heidi Heitkamp

| before_party = North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party

| after_election = Kevin Cramer

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 2018 United States Senate election in North Dakota took place on November 6, 2018, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the State of North Dakota, concurrently with other elections to the U.S. Senate, as well as other federal, state and local elections in North Dakota.

This was one of ten Democratic-held Senate seats up for election in a state that Donald Trump won in the 2016 presidential election. Incumbent senator Heidi Heitkamp ran for reelection to a second term.{{cite news|last1=Springer|first1=Patrick|title=U.S. Sen. Heitkamp announces run for re-election |url=http://www.inforum.com/news/4327200-us-sen-heitkamp-announces-run-re-election|access-date=September 13, 2017|work=The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead|publisher=Forum Communications|date=September 13, 2017|language=en}} The candidate filing deadline was April 9, 2018, and the primary election was held on June 12, 2018.{{cite news|url=https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Senate_election_in_Noth_Dakota,_2018|title=United States Senate election in North Dakota, 2018 - Ballotpedia|access-date=March 3, 2017|language=en-US}} {{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} U.S. Representative Kevin Cramer won the Republican primary to challenge Heitkamp, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.

On November 6, 2018, Cramer defeated Heitkamp in the general election, becoming the first Republican to win this seat since 1958. Cramer was sworn in on January 3, 2019, marking the first time since 1960 that Republicans held both of North Dakota's Senate seats, and giving North Dakota an entirely Republican congressional delegation for the first time since 1959.

Background

Many observers cited Heitkamp as a vulnerable incumbent Democrat in 2018, as she balanced cooperation with her Democratic colleagues in the U.S. Senate with pleasing her constituents in deeply Republican North Dakota; Donald Trump won in North Dakota by about 36 points.{{cite news|url=https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2017/06/23/can_heitkamp_win_again_in_red_north_dakota_134267.html|title=Can Heitkamp Win Again in Red North Dakota? Many analysts believe the race will be between Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D) and Rep. Kevin Cramer (R). {{!}} RealClearPolitics|access-date=2017-07-20}} The race was expected to be extremely competitive and some projected it would be the most expensive race in North Dakota history.{{cite news|url=http://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/2018-Senate-race-in-ND-could-be-the-most-expensive-in-states-history-437076923.html|title=2018 Senate race in N.D. could be the most expensive in state's history|work=KFYR-TV|access-date=2018-05-02|language=en}}

= Voter ID law and Native Americans disenfranchisement =

{{See also|Native American Voting Rights Act of 2018|Voter suppression in the United States}}

On October 9, 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld North Dakota's voter ID law, called HB 1369. This law requires voters to use an ID which lists a street address and doesn't allow PO boxes as valid addresses. However, many Native American reservations don't use a conventional address system and their inhabitants tend to use PO boxes instead, making a large share of the IDs used by Native Americans invalid. Although both Natives and non-Natives are affected, Native Americans are disproportionately more likely to be affected by HB 1369, and the law has been criticized for disenfranchising Native Americans. The Republican-held state government of North Dakota argued that the law was created to prevent voter fraud but has been accused of passing the law because Native Americans are likely to vote Democratic.

A group of seven Native American voters led by Richard Brakebill, a U.S. Navy veteran enrolled in the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, challenged HB 1369 as violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. In the case of Brakebill v. Jaeger, judge Daniel L. Hovland of the District Court of North Dakota ruled in April 2018 that large parts of HB 1369 were unconstitutional, including the prohibition on IDs with PO box addresses.

North Dakota secretary of state Alvin Jaeger appealed the ruling to the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and requested a stay on Hovland's ruling. The Eighth Circuit initially rejected Jaeger's stay request, with the primary elections in June 2018 not being affected by HB 1369, but revised its opinion in September 2018 and stayed Hovland's ruling. The plaintiffs filed a motion to the Supreme Court, requesting that they take up the case, but this motion was denied. Consequently, Hovland's ruling remained inoperative and HB 1369 was effective for the November 2018 general elections, with many people without the right ID being unable to vote.[https://www.npr.org/2018/10/13/657125819/many-native-ids-wont-be-accepted-at-north-dakota-polling-places Many Native IDs Won't Be Accepted At North Dakota Polling Places] from NPR[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/north-dakota-native-american-voters/ Has North Dakota Law Made It Harder for Native Americans to Vote? (True)] from Snopes[https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2018/oct/23/occupy-democrats/native-americans-werent-last-get-right-vote-occupy/ Supreme Court ruling does not mean Native Americans can't vote in North Dakota] from Politifact[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/oct/26/the-real-reason-for-voter-id-laws-to-prevent-native-americans-from-voting Republicans wanted to suppress the Native American vote. It's working] from The Guardian

Activists reacted to these suppression measures by educating voters, helping them get their identification cards updated, and giving them rides to the polls on election day. This backlash resulted in a Native American turnout that reached an unprecedented level in the election.{{Cite web |title=Native American Turnout In North Dakota Reached Unprecedented Levels In Midterms |website=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/11/19/669361542/native-american-turnout-in-north-dakota-reached-unprecedented-levels-in-midterms}}

Democratic-NPL primary

The Democratic-NPL Party held their state convention March 16 and 17, during which delegates voted to endorse Heitkamp for re-election. Although general election ballot access is actually controlled by a primary election, challenger Dustin Peyer did not challenge Heitkamp in the June 2018 primary.{{cite news|last1=Easter|first1=Sam|title=Sen. Heidi Heitkamp wins Dem-NPL endorsement|url=http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/sen-heidi-heitkamp-wins-dem-npl-endorsement/article_b5b49a58-98a4-50bf-bba3-02048659fdbd.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|work=The Bismarck Tribune|agency=Forum News Service|publisher=Lee Enterprises|date=March 17, 2018|language=en}}

=Candidates=

==Declared==

Heidi Heitkamp, incumbent U.S. senator

==Withdrew==

Dustin Peyer, firefighter and candidate for the state senate in 2016

= Endorsements =

{{Endorsements box

| title=Heidi Heitkamp

| list=

;Federal officials

Joe Biden, former vice president{{cite news|title=In Grand Forks visit, Joe Biden backs Heitkamp, blasts Trump and boosts everyday values|url=http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/4419218-grand-forks-visit-joe-biden-backs-heitkamp-blasts-trump-and|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318060922/http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/4419218-grand-forks-visit-joe-biden-backs-heitkamp-blasts-trump-and|archive-date=2018-03-18|last=Easter|first=Sam|date=2018-03-17|work=Grand Forks Herald}}
Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defense (Republican){{cite tweet |last=Robillard |first=Kevin |user=Robillard |number=1054429250999197702 |date=October 22, 2018 |title=Former SecDef Chuck Hagel is set to campaign for Heidi Heitkamp tomorrow and Wednesday in #NDSen. |language=en |access-date=June 14, 2021}}
Tom Vilsack, former Secretary of Agriculture and governor of Iowa{{cite web|title=Former ag secretary Vilsack endorses Heitkamp for Senate|url=http://www.westfargopioneer.com/business/agriculture/4457407-former-ag-secretary-vilsack-endorses-heitkamp-senate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614212855/http://www.westfargopioneer.com/business/agriculture/4457407-former-ag-secretary-vilsack-endorses-heitkamp-senate|archive-date=2018-06-14|date=2018-06-07|last=Schlecht|first=Jenny|location=Washington|work=West Fargo Pioneer}}
Mary Wakefield, former acting Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services{{cite press release|publisher=Heidi for North Dakota|location=Fargo, N.D.|title=Former Acting Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, Mary Wakefield, Endorses Heidi Heitkamp for U.S. Senate|url=https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/former-acting-deputy-secretary-of-health-and-human-services-mary-wakefield-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-for-u-s-senate/|access-date=2018-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813004349/https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/former-acting-deputy-secretary-of-health-and-human-services-mary-wakefield-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-for-u-s-senate/|archive-date=2018-08-13|url-status=dead}}

;U.S. senators

Kent Conrad, former U.S. senator (D-ND){{cite news|title=Former senator backs senator|date=2018-10-29|work=The Bismarck Tribune|last=Conrad|first=Kent|author-link=Kent Conrad|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/letters/former-senator-backs-senator/article_c226b90e-0828-5e3e-b78e-dc22d7af8f57.html}}
Byron Dorgan, former U.S. senator (D-ND){{cite news|title=Former North Dakota senator: Heitkamp will win re-election|url=http://baltimorepostexaminer.com/former-north-dakota-senator-heitkamp-will-win-re-election/2018/03/05|work=The Baltimore Post-Examiner|date=2018-03-05|last=Renbaum|first=Bryan|location=Washington}}
Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. senator (D-NY){{cite tweet |last=Gillibrand |first=Kirsten |author-link=Kirsten Gillibrand |user=SenGillibrand |number=1043990896029683713 |date=September 23, 2018 |title=.@HeidiHeitkamp’s Republican opponent, Kevin Cramer, casually dismissed the sexual assault allegation against Kavanaugh. Cramer has no place in the Senate. Help keep him out by rushing a donation to Heidi’s campaign: https://t.co/6BexiNrRq6 #StopKavanaugh |language=en |access-date=June 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308042032/https://twitter.com/SenGillibrand/status/1043990896029683713 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |url-status=live}}

;U.S. representatives

Earl Pomeroy, former U.S. representative (D-ND){{cite press release|title=Congressman Earl Pomeroy Endorses Heidi Heitkamp for U.S. Senate|publisher=Heidi for North Dakota|url=https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/congressman-earl-pomeroy-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-for-u-s-senate/|access-date=2018-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024045251/https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/congressman-earl-pomeroy-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-for-u-s-senate/|date=2018-03-30|location=Grand Forks, N.D.|archive-date=2018-10-24|url-status=dead}}

;Local officials

Michael Brown, mayor of Grand Forks{{cite news|title=Grand Forks Mayor Mike Brown Endorses Heidi Heitkamp for Senate|url=http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/4471258-grand-forks-mayor-mike-brown-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-senate|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712070950/http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/4471258-grand-forks-mayor-mike-brown-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-senate|archive-date=2018-07-12|last=Allen|first=Emily|date=2018-07-11|work=Grand Forks Herald}}
Tim McLean, Casselton fire chief{{cite news|title=New Heitkamp ad puts work done for first responders in the spotlight|website=NBC News|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/card/latest-heitkamp-ad-puts-work-done-first-responders-spotlight-n894331|last=Vitali|first=Ali|date=2018-07-25|location=Washington}}
Arland Rasmussen, former West Fargo police chief{{cite news|title=Bizarro World: Democratic Senate Incumbent Heidi Heitkamp Uses Self-Described Trump Voter to Defend Her Record on Border Security|url=https://www.sayanythingblog.com/entry/bizarro-world-democratic-senate-incumbent-heidi-heitkamp-uses-self-described-trump-voter-to-defend-her-record-on-border-security/|last=Port|first=Rob|date=2018-07-17|website=SayAnythingBlog.com}}

;Individuals

Grace Link, former First Lady of North Dakota{{Cite press release|url=https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/grace-link-support/ |title=Grace Link, Former First Lady of North Dakota, Supports Heidi for Senate |access-date=2018-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024060357/https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/grace-link-support/ |archive-date=2018-10-24 |url-status=dead |publisher=Heidi for North Dakota|date=2018-06-12|location=Fargo, N.D.}}
Amy Schumer, actress{{cite tweet|user=amyschumer|number=1054523400092352515|url=https://twitter.com/amyschumer/status/1054523400092352515|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210083806/https://twitter.com/amyschumer/status/1054523400092352515|archive-date=2020-02-10|date=2018-10-22|last=Schumer|first=Amy|title=News}}
Amy Siskind, activist and writer{{cite tweet|user=Amy_Siskind|number=1049354160657891328|title=END Mitch McConnell’s reign of terror. Donate/volunteer for these close senate races: Jacky Rosen, NV Phil Bredesen, TN Claire McCaskill, MO Bill Nelson, FL Joe Donnelly, IN Heidi Heitkamp, ND Beto O’Rourke, TX Kyrsten Sinema, AZ Tammy Baldwin, WI|date=October 8, 2018|first=Amy|last=Siskind|access-date=October 20, 2018}}

;Organizations

American Federation of Government Employees{{cite press release|title=AFGE Endorses Sen. Heidi Heitkamp for Reelection|url=https://www.afge.org/publication/afge-endorses-sen.-heidi-heitkamp-for-reelection/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004103857/https://www.afge.org/publication/afge-endorses-sen.-heidi-heitkamp-for-reelection/|archive-date=2018-10-04|via=afge.org|location=Washington|publisher=American Federation of Government Employees|date=August 22, 2018|url-status=dead}}
End Citizens United{{cite press release|url=http://endcitizensunited.org/press-releases/end-citizens-united-endorses-bob-casey-heidi-heitkamp-sheldon-whitehouse-u-s-senate/ |title=End Citizens United Endorses Bob Casey, Heidi Heitkamp and Sheldon Whitehouse for U.S. Senate | publisher= End Citizens United |location=Washington, D.C.| date=May 3, 2017}}
Feminist Majority Political Action Committee{{cite web|url=https://feministmajoritypac.org/candidates/heidi-heitkamp/|title=Heidi Heitkamp – Feminist Majority PAC|work=Feminist Majority Political Action Committee|via=feministmajoritypac.org|access-date=10 October 2018}}
J Street{{cite web |title=2018 Senate Endorsees|publisher=J Street|url=https://donate.jstreetpac.org/page/2018-senate-endorsees/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616125912/https://donate.jstreetpac.org/page/2018-senate-endorsees/|archive-date=2018-06-16}}
Los Angeles Women's Collective {{cite web|url=http://www.lawomenscollective.com/portfolio_page/heidi-heitkamp/|title=Heidi Heitkamp|publisher=Los Angeles Women's Political Action Committee|access-date=10 October 2018}}
National Association of Home Builders{{cite press release|title=National Association of Home Builders Endorses Heidi Heitkamp for U.S. Senate |url=https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/national-association-of-home-builders-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-for-u-s-senate/ |date=2018-07-18|access-date=2018-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813004922/https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/national-association-of-home-builders-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-for-u-s-senate/ |archive-date=2018-08-13 |url-status=dead|location=Fargo, N.D. }}
National Border Patrol Council{{cite news|url=http://www.jamestownsun.com/letters/4504652-national-border-patrol-council-reveals-why-it-endorsed-heidi-heitkamp-us-senate|title=National Border Patrol Council Reveals Why It Endorsed Heidi...|access-date=10 October 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926145314/http://www.jamestownsun.com/letters/4504652-national-border-patrol-council-reveals-why-it-endorsed-heidi-heitkamp-us-senate|archive-date=2018-09-26|author=National Border Patrol Council |work=Jamestown Sun|date=2018-09-25}}
National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare{{cite web|url=https://www.ncpssm.org/pac/candidates-we-endorse-and-support/|title=Candidates We Endorse and Support - NCPSSM|website=ncpssm.org|access-date=10 October 2018}}
National Education Association{{cite web|title=NEA Fund - Recommended Candidates|url=https://www.neafund.org/Home/Candidates|website=neafund.org|access-date=August 1, 2018|archive-date=August 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801095844/https://www.neafund.org/Home/Candidates|url-status=dead}}
National Farmers Union PAC{{cite press release |author= |title=Farmers Union PAC Endorses Heidi Heitkamp for U.S. Senate |url=https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/farmers-union-pac-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-for-u-s-senate/ |location=Fargo |publisher=Heidi for Senate |date=September 11, 2018 |access-date=2018-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045429/https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/farmers-union-pac-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-for-u-s-senate/ |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |url-status=dead }}
North Dakota AFL-CIO{{cite press release|title=North Dakota AFL-CIO endorses Heidi Heitkamp for U.S. Senate |url=https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/north-dakota-afl-cio-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-for-u-s-senate/ |access-date=2018-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813004251/https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/north-dakota-afl-cio-endorses-heidi-heitkamp-for-u-s-senate/ |date=2018-05-18|archive-date=2018-08-13 |url-status=dead |location=Fargo, N.D.}}
North Dakota United{{cite press release |author= |title=North Dakota United Highlights Heidi Heitkamp's Support Among North Dakota Teachers and Public Employees |url=https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/north-dakota-united-highlights-heidi-heitkamps-support-among-north-dakota-teachers-and-public-employees/ |location=Fargo |publisher=Heidi for Senate |date=September 18, 2018 |access-date=2018-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045751/https://heidifornorthdakota.com/press-release/north-dakota-united-highlights-heidi-heitkamps-support-among-north-dakota-teachers-and-public-employees/ |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |url-status=dead }}

;Newspapers

The Bismarck Tribune{{cite news|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/editorial/heitkamp-best-for-state-in-u-s-senate/article_6d5a9746-99db-5471-8043-b4c226ab6eeb.html|title=Heitkamp best for state in U.S. Senate|work=The Bismarck Tribune|author=Tribune Editorial Board|date=October 28, 2018|access-date=October 29, 2018}}}}

= Results =

[[File:2018 ND US Senate Democratic primary.svg|thumb|250px|Results by county:

]]

{{Election box begin no change

|title=Democratic primary results{{cite web|url=https://results.sos.nd.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?text=All&type=SW&map=CTY&eid=302|title=2018 United States Senate primary election in North Dakota}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|candidate= Heidi Heitkamp (incumbent)

|party= North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party

|votes= 36,729

|percentage= 99.58%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party= North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party

|candidate= Write-ins

|votes= 152

|percentage= 0.42%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes= 36,883

|percentage= 100.00%

}}

Republican primary

=Candidates=

==Declared==

Kevin Cramer, U.S. representative{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-rep-cramer-to-challenge-dem-heitkamp-for-senate-seat-reversing-course|title=GOP Rep. Cramer to challenge Dem Heitkamp for Senate seat, reversing course|work=Fox News|last=Berger|first=Judson|date=February 15, 2018}}
Thomas O'Neill, former mayor of Niagara{{cite news|url=http://www.inforum.com/news/4391052-air-force-vet-anti-immigration-candidate-jumps-nd-us-senate-race|title=Air Force vet, anti-immigration candidate jumps into ND U.S....|work=INFORUM|access-date=2018-05-02|language=en}}

==Withdrew==

Tom Campbell, state senator{{cite web|url=http://www.inforum.com/news/4313170-north-dakota-republican-announces-hes-running-heitkamps-seat|title=North Dakota Republican announces he's running for Heitkamp's seat|work=The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead|last=Springer|first=Patrick|date=August 16, 2017|access-date=August 16, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.myndnow.com/news/bismarck-news/tom-campbell-announces-run-for-congress/977827990|title=Tom Campbell announces run for Congress|work=KX News|date=February 16, 2018|access-date=February 16, 2018|archive-date=February 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217042117/http://www.myndnow.com/news/bismarck-news/tom-campbell-announces-run-for-congress/977827990|url-status=dead}} (endorsed Kevin Cramer){{cite tweet |author=Tom Campbell |user=tomfornd |number=964647306132942849 |date=February 16, 2018 |title=That's why I am officially endorsing my friend Congressman Kevin Cramer in his Senate race against Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp.}}
Gary Emineth, businessman and former chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party{{cite news|url=http://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Emineth-withdraws-from-Senate-race-473943193.html|title=Emineth withdraws from Senate race|last1=Evans|first1=Bo|work=KFYR-TV|date=February 13, 2018|access-date=February 13, 2018}}
Paul Schaffner{{cite web|title=2018 Primary Election Contest/Candidate List|url=https://vip.sos.nd.gov/CandidateList.aspx?eid=302|website=North Dakota Secretary of State|access-date=May 2, 2018}}

==Declined==

Rick Becker, state representative and candidate for governor in 2016{{cite web|url=http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/government-and-politics/4382582-rick-becker-bismarck-state-legislator-rules-out-run-congress|title=Rick Becker, Bismarck state legislator, rules out run for Congress|work=The Dickinson Press|last=Hageman|first=John|date=January 3, 2018|access-date=January 7, 2018|archive-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107175047/http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/government-and-politics/4382582-rick-becker-bismarck-state-legislator-rules-out-run-congress|url-status=dead}}
Rick Berg, former U.S. representative and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2012{{cite web|url=http://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Rick-Berg-not-running-for-US-Senate-468875203.html|title=Rick Berg "not running" for U.S. Senate|publisher=Valley News Live|last=Morken|first=Mike|date=January 11, 2018|access-date=January 12, 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.westfargopioneer.com/news/4368103-list-potential-nd-gop-senate-candidates-narrows-ceo-declines-run|title=List of potential ND GOP Senate candidates narrows as CEO declines to run|work=West Fargo Pioneer|last=Hageman|first=John|date=December 1, 2017}}
Tammy Miller, businesswoman{{cite web|url=https://www.sayanythingblog.com/entry/border-states-electric-ceo-tammy-miller-considering-challenging-heitkamp-senate-seat|title=Border States Electric CEO Tammy Miller considering challenging Heitkamp for Senate seat|work=Say Anything|last=Port|first=Rob|date=September 7, 2017}}
Kathy Neset, member of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education{{cite web|url=https://www.sayanythingblog.com/entry/ndgop-recruiting-sbhe-president-kathy-neset-possible-senate-run/|title=NDGOP Recruiting SBHE President Kathy Neset for Possible Senate Run|work=Say Anything|last=Port|first=Rob|date=July 5, 2017|access-date=August 16, 2017}}
Ed Schafer, former United States Secretary of Agriculture and former governor of North Dakota{{cite web|url=http://www.wdaz.com/news/government-and-politics/4387268-fedorchak-doesnt-rule-out-challenging-heitkamp-us-senate-seat|title=Fedorchak doesn't rule out challenging Heitkamp for U.S. Senate seat|work=wdaz.com|last=Hageman|first=John|date=January 12, 2018}}
Kelly Schmidt, North Dakota State Treasurer{{cite tweet |last=Robillard |first=Kevin |user=Robillard |number=909761138199597056 |date=September 18, 2017 |title=News: @club4growth touting Treasurer Kelly Schmidt as candidate against Heitkamp in #NDSen. She's up 48-44 in poll: https://t.co/YLLoaPH8Ye |language=en |access-date=June 14, 2021}}
Wayne Stenehjem, North Dakota Attorney General and candidate for governor in 2016

=Endorsements=

{{Endorsements box

| title = Kevin Cramer

| list =

;U.S. executive branch officials

George W. Bush, 43rd president of the United States{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/406189-george-w-bush-to-hit-fundraising-circuit-for-gop-candidates/|title=George W. Bush to hit fundraising circuit for GOP candidates|first=Jesse|last=Byrnes|date=11 September 2018|access-date=10 October 2018}}
Mike Pence, 48th vice president of the United States{{cite news|url=http://kfgo.com/news/articles/2018/mar/27/vice-president-pence-to-campaign-for-cramer-in-north-dakota/|title=Vice President Pence to campaign for Cramer in Fargo|work=kfgo.com|date=March 27, 2018|access-date=March 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716112127/http://kfgo.com/news/articles/2018/mar/27/vice-president-pence-to-campaign-for-cramer-in-north-dakota/|archive-date=July 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}
Donald Trump, 45th president of the United States{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/votecramer/photos/a.292631821525.156839.251734676525/10155327100686526/?type=1&theater|title=Kevin Cramer|website=facebook.com|access-date=10 October 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1007002252467458048|title=Congratulations to @KevinCramer on his huge win in North Dakota. We need Kevin in the Senate, and I strongly endorse him. Heidi voted NO on our Tax Cuts, and always will vote no when we need her. Kevin is strong on Crime & Borders, big on Cutting Taxes!|work=Twitter|author=Donald J. Trump}}

U.S. senators

John Hoeven, North Dakota{{cite news|url=https://twitter.com/RobertLauf/status/964653846227234816|title=Senator Hoeven joins in supporting @kevincramer for Senate #NDPol|work=Twitter|author=Robert Lauf}}
David Perdue, Georgia{{cite web|url=https://politics.myajc.com/blog/politics/david-perdue-aims-shore-embattled-senate-candidates/jn3UZcQVitddON72HaUPpM/|title=David Perdue aims to shore up embattled Senate candidates|work=Politically Georgia|last=Bluestein|first=Greg|date=August 24, 2018}}
Ben Sasse, Nebraska{{Cite web|url=https://ndgop.org/veterans/statements-north-dakota-veterans-and-sen-ben-sasse-ne-criticize-chuck-hagel-offer-strong-support-for-cramer/|title=STATEMENTS: North Dakota Veterans and Sen. Ben Sasse (NE) Criticize Chuck Hagel, Offer Strong Support for Cramer – North Dakota Republican Party|date=23 October 2018 }}

U.S. governors

Doug Burgum, North Dakota{{cite tweet |last=Burgum |first=Doug |author-link=Doug Burgum |user=DougForDakota |number=964657981064470528 |date=February 16, 2018 |title=Excited to support @KevinCramer in his run for U.S. Senate. #NDpol #NDsen https://t.co/vAYSCTwMN1 |language=en |access-date=June 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308070050/https://twitter.com/DougForDakota/status/964657981064470528 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |url-status=live}}

N.D. state legislature officials

Tom Campbell, state senator

;Individuals

Kimberly Guilfoyle, television news personality{{cite tweet |last=Guilfoyle |first=Kimberly |author-link=Kimberly Guilfoyle |user=kimguilfoyle |number=1057770716702167041 |date=October 31, 2018 |title=Let’s go North Dakota! HUGE turnout of Patriots last night! Pls vote for @kevincramer a proven leader that understands North Dakota values and supports @realDonaldTrump 🇺🇸👍 https://t.co/nUwlQk4ZHl |language=en |access-date=June 14, 2021}}
Clinton Romesha, Medal of Honor recipient{{cite tweet |last=Cramer |first=Kevin |author-link=Kevin Cramer |user=kevincramer |number=1054772446581219328 |date=October 23, 2018 |title=I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of a Medal of Honor recipient and a true hero, Clint Romesha. He is a real-life Captain America. #NDSen https://t.co/DsGHMLEWtl |language=en |access-date=June 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601211103/https://twitter.com/kevincramer/status/1054772446581219328 |archive-date=June 1, 2020 |url-status=live}}

;Organizations

American Conservative Union{{cite web|url=https://conservative.org/article/acu-endorses-kevin-cramer|title=ACU Endorses Kevin Cramer|work=American Conservative Union|access-date=2018-09-19|archive-date=2018-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011430/https://conservative.org/article/acu-endorses-kevin-cramer|url-status=dead}}
Family Policy Alliance of North Dakota{{cite web|url=https://familypolicyalliance.com/northdakota/issues/news/breaking-family-policy-alliance-of-north-dakota-endorses-cramer-armstrong/|title=BREAKING: Family Policy Alliance of North Dakota Endorses Cramer, Armstrong|work=Family Policy Alliance|date=July 25, 2018}}
National Federation of Independent Business{{cite web|url=https://www.nfib.com/content/press-release/elections/small-business-endorses-congressman-kevin-cramer-for-the-u-s-senate/|title=Small Business Endorses Congressman Kevin Cramer for the U.S. Senate|work=NFIB|date=August 14, 2018}}
National Organization for Marriage{{cite web |title=NOM Endorses Candidates in Key Senate Midterm Contests |url=https://www.nomblog.com/41653/ |website=NOM Blog |access-date=29 October 2018 |archive-date=1 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101095436/https://www.nomblog.com/41653/ |url-status=dead }}
National Right to Life{{cite news|url=https://www.nationalrighttolifenews.org/news/2018/06/right-to-life-groups-back-kevin-cramer-for-u-s-senate-over-heidi-heitkamp/|title=Right to Life groups back Kevin Cramer for U.S. Senate over Heidi Heitkamp|work=NRL News Today|date=June 6, 2018}}
North Dakota Farm Bureau{{cite tweet |last=Cramer |first=Kevin |author-link=Kevin Cramer |user=kevincramer |number=1035577035433934848 |date=August 31, 2018 |title=Grateful to accept the endorsement of the NDFB this afternoon. I will continue to fight for the interests of North Dakota producers in the United States Senate. #NDSen #FarmersForCramer https://t.co/WL7ihCIjiN |language=en |access-date=June 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601211034/https://twitter.com/kevincramer/status/1035577035433934848 |archive-date=June 1, 2020 |url-status=live}}
North Dakota Right to Life
NRA Political Victory Fund{{cite web|url=https://www.nraila.org/articles/20181008/nra-endorses-cramer-for-us-senate-in-north-dakota|title=NRA Endorses Cramer for U.S. Senate in North Dakota|work=NRA-ILA|date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008234804/https://www.nraila.org/articles/20181008/nra-endorses-cramer-for-us-senate-in-north-dakota|archive-date=October 8, 2018|url-status=live|quote=On behalf of our nearly six million members across the country, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) today endorsed Kevin Cramer for U.S. Senate in North Dakota.}}
Republican Jewish Coalition{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/card/republican-jewish-coalition-launches-first-wave-midterm-endorsements-n893626|title=Republican Jewish Coalition launches first wave of midterm endorsements|work=NBCNews.com|date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801195929/https://www.nbcnews.com/card/republican-jewish-coalition-launches-first-wave-midterm-endorsements-n893626|archive-date=August 1, 2018|url-status=live}}
Susan B. Anthony List{{cite web|url=https://www.sba-list.org/newsroom/press-releases/sba-list-candidate-fund-endorses-kevin-cramer-u-s-senate-nd|title=SBA List Candidate Fund Endorses Kevin Cramer for U.S. Senate in ND|work=Susan B. Anthony List|date=September 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919211144/https://www.sba-list.org/newsroom/press-releases/sba-list-candidate-fund-endorses-kevin-cramer-u-s-senate-nd|archive-date=September 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}

;Newspapers

The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead{{cite web|url=http://inforum.com/opinion/columns/4515994-editorial-nd-voters-should-support-cramer-senate-armstrong-house|title=Editorial: ND voters should support Cramer for Senate, Armstrong for House|work=inforum.com|author=Forum Editorial|date=October 21, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021195103/http://www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/4515994-editorial-nd-voters-should-support-cramer-senate-armstrong-house|url-status=dead}}
Minot Daily News{{cite web|url=http://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2018/11/minot-daily-news-endorses-kevin-cramer/|title=Minot Daily News endorses Kevin Cramer — 1|work=Minot Daily News|date=November 1, 2018|access-date=November 1, 2018}}

}}

{{Endorsements box

| title = Tom Campbell (withdrawn)

| list =

;State senators

Howard C. Anderson Jr.{{cite news|url=https://www.sayanythingblog.com/entry/self-described-outsider-senate-candidate-touts-34-endorsements-good-old-boys-club/|title=Self-Described "Outsider" Senate Candidate Touts 34 Endorsements From the Good Old Boys Club|work=Say Anything|last=Port|first=Rob|date=August 22, 2017|access-date=August 24, 2017}}
Bill Bowman
Randy Burckhard
David Clemens
Dick Dever
David Hogue
Jerry Klein
Curt Kreun
Lonnie Laffen
Scott Meyer
Dave Oehlke
Arne Osland
Shawn Vedaa
Terry Wanzek
Rich Wardner (Majority Leader){{cite tweet |last=Campbell |first=Tom |user=tomfornd |number=955547259382484992 |date=January 22, 2018 |title=BREAKING: Rich Wardner, North Dakota Senate Majority Leader, Endorses Tom Campbell for U.S. Senate! #NDPol #NDSen https://t.co/O7B3qJtdGX |language=en |access-date=June 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609041648/https://twitter.com/tomfornd/status/955547259382484992 |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |url-status=live}}

;State representatives

Bert Anderson
Rich Becker
Jake Blum
Chuck Damschen
Jim Grueneich
Dennis Johnson
Mary Johnson
Terry Jones
Keith Kempenich
Dwight Kiefert
Gary Kreidt
Vernon R. Laning
Andrew Marschall
David Monson
Emily O'Brien
Bill Oliver
Bernie Satrom
Wayne Trottier
Greg Westlind
Denton Zuhke

}}

=Polling=

{{hidden begin|titlestyle=background:#cff|title=Hypothetical polling|contentstyle=border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:white;}}

class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"

valign=bottom

! Poll source

! Date(s)
administered

! Sample
size

! Margin
of error

! style="width:75px;"| Rick
Becker

! style="width:75px;"| Rick
Berg

! style="width:75px;"| Tom
Campbell

! style="width:75px;"| Tammy
Miller

! style="width:75px;"| Kathy
Neset

! style="width:75px;"| Kelly
Schmidt

! Undecided

1892 Polling (R-Campbell)[https://scribd.com/document/362482919/Campbell-Poll 1892 Polling (R-Campbell)]

| align=center| October 11–12, 2017

| align=center| 400

| align=center| ± 4.0%

| align=center| 3%

| align=center| 24%

| {{party shading/Republican}} align=center| 32%

| align=center| 1%

| align=center| 4%

| align=center| 1%

| {{party shading/Undecided}} align=center| 35%

1892 Polling (R-Campbell)

| align=center| May 30 – June 1, 2017

| align=center| 400

| align=center| ± 4.0%

| align=center| 9%

| {{party shading/Republican}} align=center| 39%

| align=center| 7%

| align=center| –

| {{party shading/Undecided}} align=center| 45%

=Results=

[[File:2018 North Dakota Republican Senatorial Primary.svg|thumb|250px|Republican primary results by county

{{legend|#A80000|2=Cramer ≥ 90%}} {{legend|#C21B18|2=Cramer ≥ 80%}} {{legend|#D72F30|2=Cramer ≥ 70%}}]]

{{Election box begin no change

|title=Republican primary results

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party= Republican Party (United States)

|candidate= Kevin Cramer

|votes= 61,529

|percentage= 87.73%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party= Republican Party (United States)

|candidate= Thomas O'Neill

|votes= 8,509

|percentage= 12.13%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party= Republican Party (United States)

|candidate= Write-ins

|votes= 95

|percentage= 0.14%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes= 70,133

|percentage= 100.00%

}}

General election

= Debates =

File:Heidi Heitkamp and Kevin Cramer greet each other during debate for the 2018 Senate's election.png

[https://www.c-span.org/video/?453416-1/north-dakota-senate-debate Complete video of debate], October 18, 2018

= Predictions =

class="wikitable"
Source !Ranking !As of
The Cook Political Report{{cite web\|url=https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/187540\|title=2018 Senate Race Ratings for October 26, 2018\|website=The Cook Political Report\|access-date=March 13, 2021}} \| {{USRaceRating\|Lean\|R\|Flip}} \|October 26, 2018
Inside Elections{{cite web\|url=https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2018-senate-ratings-november-1-2018\|title=2018 Senate Ratings\|website=The Rothenberg Political Report\|access-date=March 13, 2021}} \| {{USRaceRating\|Lean\|R\|Flip}} \|November 1, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball{{Cite web\|url=http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2018-senate/\|title=Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball » 2018 Senate\|website=centerforpolitics.org\|language=en-US\|access-date=2018-08-18}} \| {{USRaceRating\|Lean\|R\|Flip}} \|November 5, 2018
Daily Kos{{cite web\|url=https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/6/4/1769407/-Daily-Kos-Elections-2018-race-ratings\|title=Daily Kos Elections 2018 race ratings\|website=Daily Kos\|date=June 5, 2018}} \| {{USRaceRating\|Lean\|R\|Flip}} \|November 5, 2018
Fox News{{cite web\|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/midterms-2018.html\|title=2018 Senate Power Rankings\|website=Fox News\|access-date=July 10, 2018}}{{efn\|The Fox News Midterm Power Rankings uniquely does not contain a category for Safe/Solid races}} \| {{USRaceRating\|Likely\|R\|Flip}} \|November 5, 2018
CNN{{cite web\|url=https://edition.cnn.com/election/2018/key-races/senate\|title=Key Races: Senate\|access-date=July 15, 2018}} \| {{USRaceRating\|Lean\|R\|Flip}} \|November 5, 2018
RealClearPolitics{{cite web\|url=https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2018/senate/2018_elections_senate_map.html\|title=Battle for the Senate 2018\|access-date=July 15, 2018}} \| {{USRaceRating\|Lean\|R\|Flip}} \|November 5, 2018

class="wikitable"

Source

!Ranking

!As of

The Cook Political Report{{cite web|url=https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/187540|title=2018 Senate Race Ratings for October 26, 2018|website=The Cook Political Report|access-date=March 13, 2021}}