Republican Governor Doug Bergam of North Dakota has announced that he will not seek a third term as governor and will not be a candidate for vice president of the United States. This decision has left the state's lone house lawmaker, Republican Congressman Kelly Armstrong, to throw his hat into the ring, creating an open seat in Congress.
Governor Bergam's decision has sparked speculation about his potential candidacy for vice president. However, Congressman Armstrong believes that the governor's decision is primarily due to the state's recently passed term limits, which limit the governor to two terms. Congressman Armstrong expressed his support for Governor Bergam's decision and stated that he encouraged him to run for a third term.
With regards to the balance of power in the house, Congressman Armstrong acknowledges that it is a tight margin for Republicans. However, he believes that Republicans will hold the congressional seat in North Dakota. He noted that despite drawing a primary opponent, it is challenging for a Democrat to run in North Dakota, especially when Donald Trump is on the ballot.
When asked about the main issues that voters in North Dakota are focused on, Congressman Armstrong identified agriculture and energy as the top two industries in the state. He emphasized that he has been fighting to protect these industries from what he perceives as their biggest threat - the federal government. The rising costs of fertilizers and inputs in agriculture and the potential impact on the oil and gas industry are concerns for North Dakota voters. Congressman Armstrong stressed the importance of these industries for the well-being and opportunities they have provided to the people of North Dakota.
Looking ahead, should Congressman Armstrong win the race for governor, his goal is to continue building on the success and growth that North Dakota has experienced economically and in terms of population. However, he also recognizes the need to address the growth of government and make it smaller and more efficient. His aim is to unleash the talent and potential of the people of North Dakota by creating a government that works better for its citizens.
Overall, Congressman Armstrong's decision to run for governor has stirred excitement and competition in the state. With the focus on preserving and promoting the agriculture and energy sectors, the race for governor is expected to garner significant attention and have implications for the state's future.
