GOP Rep. Kelly Armstrong, serving his third term as North Dakota’s at-large House member, said Tuesday he will run for governor instead of reelection to the House.
“North Dakotans will always do better when we are in charge of our own destiny,” Armstrong said in a statement. “That’s why I’ve decided to come home to run for Governor. I’ll take the experience I’ve gained fighting for North Dakota in DC, to help increase opportunity and success here in our state.”
Incumbent North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum suspended his long-shot run for the Republican presidential nomination last month and recently endorsed former President Donald Trump’s bid for a second nonconsecutive term. Burgum announced Monday that he would not seek a third term as governor.
“There’s never been a better time to live, work and raise a family in North Dakota. Our state is extremely well-positioned for the future thanks to the efforts of everyone on Team ND to empower people, improve lives and inspire success,” Burgum said in a Monday statement.
Armstrong’s decision to to run for governor instead of seeking reelection will open a House seat in a state that Trump carried with more than 65 percent of the vote in 2020. Armstrong received more than 62 percent of the vote in 2022.
“North Dakota is the best state to start a business, thanks to Governor Burgum and our Republican legislature, our foundation is strong, but to take our state to the next level, we need to continue to invest in our people. We need more teachers, nurses, and skilled workers. We need to continue to invest in our communities to solve these challenges,” Armstrong said. “We need smart, conservative policy that attracts lasting investment and grows opportunity.”
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