| Claire Cory | |
| State House: | North Dakota |
| District: | 42nd |
| Term Start: | October 11, 2019 |
| Predecessor: | Jake Blum |
| Alongside: | Emily O'Brien |
| Party: | Republican |
| Birth Date: | September 11, 1998 |
| Birth Place: | Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Alma Mater: | University of North Dakota |
| Image Name: | Claire Cory (51249555526) (cropped).jpg |
Claire Cory (born September 11, 1998) is an American politician serving as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from the 42nd district. She assumed office on October 11, 2019, succeeding Jake Blum.
Cory was born and raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She graduated from Grand Forks Central High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration and political science from the University of North Dakota.[1]
In 2018, Cory worked as an intern for the North Dakota Republican Party and United States Senate. She also volunteered on Kevin Cramer's re-election campaign.[2] She was also an election worker for Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Cory was selected to succeed Jake Blum in the North Dakota House of Representatives in October 2019.[3] [4] Cory assumed her office on October 11, 2019, and was subsequently elected in November 2020. She is the youngest female ever elected to the legislature in the state of North Dakota.
In August 2021, Cory created a Change.org petition demanding that the University of North Dakota remove its policy on face masks.[5]
In August 2022, Cory was revealed to be a member of a Telegram group called the North Dakota Young Republicans which "frequently featured bigoted slurs and white supremacist tropes" in its messages between members, including personal attacks against gay public figures, such as House member Joshua Boschee, as well as anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.[6] Despite claiming she had the group muted and did not read the messages, she was shown to have posted messages in the group.[6] "The statements in question do not represent my values or those of my district," said Cory. "Representative Boschee is a legislator who serves his district admirably, and while I disagree with him politically, his sexuality should not be used as a personal attack."[6]
On February 26, 2024, Cory announced a campaign for the District 42 North Dakota Senate seat being vacated by Curt Kreun.[7] Cory would go on to win the primary and secure the Republican nomination for the seat in June,[8] before winning the seat over Democratic challenger Rodney Gigstad in November.[9]
Cory was arrested and charged with driving under the influence on May 7, 2024,[10] with a reported blood alcohol content of 0.186%.[11] She initially pled not guilty,[12] but later plead guilty to an amended charge of reckless driving on July 2, 2024.