01.16.19

Hoeven Statement on Nomination of Peter Welte as U.S. District Court Judge for North Dakota

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement after the president nominated former Grand Forks County State Attorney Peter Welte to serve as the U.S. District Court Judge for North Dakota.

“Peter has shown strong dedication to serving the public, both in his professional life and as a member of his community,” Hoeven said. “He has shown a commitment to the rule of law, which will serve him well in this position. We appreciate his work over the years and look forward to advancing his nomination through the Senate.”

Welte has a broad range of legal experience both in the public and private sectors. He is currently in private practice, emphasizing in criminal defense and agricultural law, and is also serving a second term on the Board of Governors of the State Bar Association of North Dakota. From 2002 through 2015, Welte served as the State’s Attorney of Grand Forks County, the top prosecutor for the county. Welte received his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics from North Dakota State University in 1989 and graduated with distinction from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1997.  

Welte is being nominated to the U.S. District Court to fill the vacancy left by Judge Ralph Erickson, who was nominated and confirmed to serve on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals last year.

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