Regional Industry & News

Senate confirms North Dakota judge Dan Traynor to Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

Traynor has served on North Dakota’s federal district court since 2020; takes seat previously held by Judge Ralph Erickson

WASHINGTON (Valley News Live) — The U.S. Senate has confirmed North Dakota U.S. District Judge Dan Traynor to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals following a nomination from President Trump.

Traynor has served on the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota since 2020, after being nominated and confirmed during Trump’s first term. He takes the appeals seat previously held by Judge Ralph Erickson, who assumed senior status.

During his time on the district court, Traynor delivered several notable rulings. In 2025, he ruled North Dakota was entitled to $28 million in damages stemming from the Obama administration’s facilitation of illegal protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. He also struck down multiple federal regulations, including a 2025 decision exempting a group of Catholic employers from complying with Biden administration rules related to abortion, fertility treatment accommodations and protections for LGBTQ employees under federal workplace laws.

Before joining the federal judiciary, Traynor built a legal practice handling business litigation, election, insurance, tort and Indian law. He is a graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Law and previously clerked for North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle.

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), one of Traynor’s earliest advocates, praised the confirmation.

“He’s earned this — through his intellect, through his hard work, and through his really good decisions,” Cramer said. “I’m proud of him — and glad my colleagues agreed with me today.”

Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) also weighed in, noting the confirmation moved quickly.

“The fact that it took just over two months to move his nomination through the Senate is a testament to the quality of Dan’s record and reputation,” Hoeven said.