Rep. Armstrong Seeking Governor’s Mansion

Another Republican House member has just announced that he will not be seeking re-election.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) just announced that he will be running for Governor to replace Governor Burgum when his term is up.

This will leave the GOP with another seat to defend, but there is little doubt that it will remain red.

Bigger and Better Things

Armstrong is looking to move up the ladder, and with Burgum’s time nearly up in the governor’s mansion, this is as perfect a time as any to make the jump.

Kelly explained, "North Dakotans will always do better when we are in charge of our own destiny.

"That’s why I’ve decided to come home to run for Governor."

There has been a flurry of activity out of North Dakota in recent days, with Burgum recently announcing that he would not be seeking a third term.

On the heels of that, Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) had also announced that he would not be making a run for governor, as many had anticipated.

This left the door wide open and since Armstrong is the only House member from the state, he will be among those with the biggest name recognition to enter the race.

Now, while Armstrong currently has the best name recognition in the race, that does not all come from a positive perspective.

For instance, Armstrong voted to certify the 2020 election results, which will not sit well with some MAGA voters in the state.

Additionally, he voted to codify same-sex marriage in 2022, which may not sit well with some hardline conservatives.

While he is the frontrunner out of the gate in this race, there is clearly enough to warrant others entering this race in fear of having a Democrat sneak in there and take the governor’s mansion from the GOP.

Governor Burgum is very popular in the state, so we will have to keep an eye out for his endorsement, as that will clearly carry a lot of weight in the election.