Drew Wrigley: A Career in North Dakota Law and Public Service
From the courtrooms of Philadelphia to the highest legal office in North Dakota, Drew Wrigley has built a distinguished career defined by high-stakes litigation and executive leadership. With a professional trajectory spanning federal prosecution and state governance, Wrigley has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant legal proceedings in the region's history.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Attorney General of North Dakota.
- Federal Service: Served two separate terms as the U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota.
- Executive Experience: Served as the Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota from 2010 to 2016.
- Notable Case: Successfully prosecuted the Dru Sjodin kidnapping and murder case.
- Election Success: Won a full term as Attorney General in 2022 with 71% of the vote.
Early Legal Career and Federal Prosecution
Following his law school education, Wrigley began his professional journey as a judicial law clerk in Delaware. He then transitioned to the public sector as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia, where he served for five years before returning to his home state of North Dakota.
In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Wrigley as the United States Attorney for North Dakota, a nomination that received unanimous confirmation from the U.S. Senate. During this tenure, Wrigley handled the high-profile kidnapping and murder of Dru Sjodin. Although North Dakota had abolished capital punishment in 1973, the crime involved crossing state lines, placing it under federal jurisdiction. Wrigley opted to seek the death penalty and successfully prosecuted Alfonso Rodriguez, a repeat sex offender from Minnesota.
The case was historic; Judge Ralph R. Erickson noted that it was the first time since 1914 that a judge in North Dakota or Minnesota had been confronted with a death penalty sentence. Wrigley personally led the trial team and successfully argued the case before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The U.S. Supreme Court eventually denied the defendant's request for review, affirming the death sentence.
[no image]
Return to Federal Service
Wrigley's expertise led to a second appointment as U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota. Nominated by President Donald Trump in August 2018 and confirmed by the Senate in April 2019, he served until February 2021. He resigned on February 28, 2021, following the routine request for U.S. Attorneys to step down during the transition to the Biden administration.
Executive Leadership as Lieutenant Governor
Wrigley's transition into state executive leadership began on November 4, 2010, when Lieutenant Governor Jack Dalrymple designated him as his successor. This occurred as Dalrymple moved into the governor's office following John Hoeven's election to the U.S. Senate. Wrigley was sworn in on December 7, 2010, and was later elected to a full term in November 2012. He served in this capacity until 2016, ultimately deciding not to run for governor in that year's election.
Attorney General of North Dakota
In early January 2022, Wrigley declared his candidacy for Attorney General. Following the unexpected death of the 22-year incumbent, Wayne Stenehjem, Governor Doug Burgum appointed Wrigley to the position on February 8, 2022. Wrigley subsequently won a full term in the November general election, securing 71% of the vote.
As Attorney General, Wrigley has been noted for his transparency and efficiency. Following the 2023 shooting of Fargo police officers, he received praise for the rapid release of bodycam footage from Officer Zach Robinson and other critical investigative details. Additionally, he reported that the state crime lab successfully cleared its backlog of sexual assault examination kits in October 2023.
[no image]
Legal Challenges and Policy Stances
Wrigley's tenure has also involved complex litigation. He defended the state against a court ruling that would have granted specific legislative districts to the Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain tribes. Wrigley appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that the state's efforts to satisfy the Voting Rights Act (a federal law prohibiting racial discrimination in voting) did not violate the Equal Protection Clause. The appeal failed, and redistricting proceeded.
Furthermore, in May 2024, Wrigley joined other Republican attorneys general in challenging the Biden administration's interpretation of Title IX (a federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education), specifically regarding the participation of transgender students in gendered sports.
Career Summary Table
| Period/Year | Role/Position | Key Achievement/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2001–2010 | U.S. Attorney (1st Term) | Prosecuted Alfonso Rodriguez (Sjodin case) |
| 2010–2016 | Lieutenant Governor | Served under Governor Jack Dalrymple |
| 2019–2021 | U.S. Attorney (2nd Term) | Confirmed by unanimous Senate voice vote |
| 2022–Present | Attorney General | Cleared sexual assault kit backlog; won 2022 election |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the death penalty sought in the Dru Sjodin case?
Although North Dakota had abolished capital punishment in 1973, the crime involved crossing state lines, which brought the case under federal jurisdiction. This allowed U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley to seek the federal death penalty.
How did Drew Wrigley become Attorney General?
Wrigley was first appointed by Governor Doug Burgum in February 2022 following the death of incumbent Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. He later won a full term in the November 2022 general election with 71% of the vote.
What was Wrigley's role in the Fargo police shooting case?
Wrigley was praised for his swift action in releasing bodycam footage from Officer Zach Robinson, identifying the perpetrator, and providing investigative updates very early in the case.
What is Wrigley's position on the Title IX ruling?
Wrigley joined several Republican attorneys general in litigation against the Biden administration, opposing the interpretation that Title IX allows transgender students to participate in sports of their choice based on gender identity.
How did Wrigley address the increase in 2023 crime reports?
Wrigley attributed the slight uptick in theft and violent crime in North Dakota to a general increase in the state's population and vacancies within law enforcement positions.