Confirmed candidates include Democrat Katrina Christiansen and Independent Rick Becker, who mounted a strong challenge to incumbent U.S. Senator John Hoeven, R-ND, at the latest state Republican convention, before switching his political affiliation to run in the general election as an Independent. Hoeven has declined an invitation to participate in the debate.
Debate moderators are former Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken and former N.D. Senator Tyler Axness, from Fargo. Both men are experienced broadcasters and are prepared to ask questions that cover a range of important topics.