On February 8, Governor Doug Burgum appointed Drew Wrigley as the new North Dakota attorney general. Wrigley was sworn in on February 9, and will serve out the remainder of the four-year term of North Dakota attorney general Wayne Stenehjem, who unexpectedly passed away on January 28. Wayne Stenehjem was a widely respected attorney general who was celebrated for his extensive public service. Stenehjem was the state’s longest-serving attorney general, having been elected to the position in 2000, after 24 years in the North Dakota Legislature.
“During my service, I will always be mindful of the outstanding work of my friend Wayne Stenehjem and I will keep his memory near as we all navigate the path ahead,” said Wrigley.
Previously, Wrigley served as North Dakota’s U.S. attorney from 2001 to 2009 and from 2019 to 2021 and as North Dakota’s lieutenant governor from 2010 to 2016. Wrigley’s prior prosecutorial experience includes five years as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia.
Governor Burgum commented that “[h]aving twice served as North Dakota’s chief federal law enforcement officer leading the U.S. attorney’s offices in Bismarck and Fargo, and six years as lieutenant governor, Drew Wrigley brings highly relevant state and federal experience to the role of North Dakota Attorney General. He has a deep knowledge of the law, extensive background in public safety and broad experience with the intersections of local, state and federal law enforcement.”
A native of North Dakota, Wrigley graduated from the University of North Dakota and received his J.D. from American University Washington College of Law.