Representative Kelly Armstrong emerged victorious in the Republican primary for governor of North Dakota, defeating the state’s lieutenant governor, Tammy Miller, and solidifying his position as the frontrunner in the upcoming general election. The primary race showcased two well-known Republicans with similar platforms, both emphasizing their support for former President Donald J. Trump and conservative values.
Armstrong, a lawyer and former state Republican Party chairman, highlighted his experience in Congress and the relationships he had built as key assets in representing North Dakota’s interests. On the other hand, Miller, an accountant and businesswoman who served as the state’s lieutenant governor, positioned herself as a political outsider with a business-oriented approach to governance.
The race for governor only took shape recently, as Republicans waited to see if current Governor Doug Burgum would seek a third term. Burgum, known for his business-oriented Republican views, announced earlier this year that he would not run again, paving the way for new contenders in the race.
In the general election, Armstrong will face off against State Senator Merrill Piepkorn, a Democrat from Fargo who ran unopposed in his party’s primary. While North Dakota has seen occasional Democratic victories in the past, Republicans have dominated recent statewide elections, with President Trump carrying the state by a wide margin in the last election.
North Dakota, a largely rural state with a booming energy industry, has maintained a low unemployment rate and attracted new residents in recent years. The upcoming gubernatorial election is expected to be closely watched as Armstrong and Piepkorn vie for the state’s top leadership position.
