Earl Pomeroy

Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame
2009 Inductee

The Almanac of American Politics calls U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy “articulate, cheerful and sincere,” a description that reflects Pomeroy’s North Dakota roots. The Bismarck Tribune echoed this sentiment, saying Pomeroy is a “billboard for North Dakota values.” First elected to Congress in 1992, Congressman Pomeroy has been returned to office by his constituents eight times. During his tenure he established himself as a substantive leader with common-sense solutions for everyday problems.

Pomeroy’s leadership and hard work earned him a spot on the powerful Ways and Means Committee during the 107th Congress, a position he still holds today. He lends his expertise on Social Security and retirement security on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security and also to the House Democratic Social Security Task Force, where he serves as co-chair. He is also a member of the House Agriculture Committee, where he is one of the most respected advocates for family farmers and ranchers in the House.

Pomeroy was born in Valley City, North Dakota. He attended Valley City State University before transferring to the University of North Dakota where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, and his law degree in 1979. After practicing law in his hometown for five years, Pomeroy’s string of election victories began when he was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives. Election as State Insurance Commissioner followed in 1984. During his tenure as Insurance Commissioner, he served as President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Pomeroy is married to the former Mary Berglund and has two children, Kathryn and Scott.