The2024 North Dakota gubernatorial electionwas held on November 5, 2024, to elect thegovernor of North Dakota.IncumbentRepublicangovernorDoug Burgumdecided to not seek re-election to a third term; he would ultimately decide torun for president.North Dakota is a Republican stronghold, and theDemocratic–Nonpartisan League (NPL) Partyhas not won a governor's race in the state since 1988.
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Armstrong:40–50%50–60%60–70%70–80%80–90%>90% Piepkorn:40–50%50–60%60–70%70–80% No votes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Republican nominee, U.S. representativeKelly Armstrong,was elected to his first term, easily defeating the Democratic–NPL nominee, state senatorMerrill Piepkornin a landslide. Armstrong was sworn in to office in December 2024, succeeding Burgum.
Background
editIn November 2022, voters in the state approved a constitutional amendment limiting governors to two four-year terms, but it only applies to individuals elected after January 1, 2023, so incumbent governorDoug Burgumwas still eligible to run for re-election under agrandfather clause.[1]On June 7, 2023, Burgum announced that he would insteadrun for the Republican nominationforpresident of the United Statesin2024,a race he dropped out of on December 4, 2023. Despite considering running for a third term after the end of his presidential campaign, Burgum announced he would not run for a third term on January 22, 2024.[2]
Before Burgum's announcement, former state Senator and formercongressional candidateTom Campbellsuggested at and considered a gubernatorial run, despite whatever choice Burgum made.[3][4]After the decision from Burgum to not seek re-election, Campbell entered the race.[5]
On January 23, the day after Burgum's announcement,U.S. RepresentativeKelly Armstrongannounced he would also seek the governorship, receiving far more reporting than Campbell and an endorsement from Secretary of StateMichael Howe.[6][7][8][9]Following Armstrong's announcement, Campbell withdrew and switched his campaign towards theHouse seatleft open by Armstrong.[10]
On January 31, Travis Hipsher, a security guard fromNeche,announced he would seek the governorship for theDemocratic-NPL.[11]Hipsher described himself as acentrist.[12]
Later on February 6,perennial candidateMichael Coachman announced an independent run for governor.[13]Coachman previously ran forgovernor in 2020,Lieutenant Governor in 2016 and 2012, and withSecretary of Statein 2018.[14]
On February 15, Lieutenant GovernorTammy Millerannounced her candidacy to replace Burgum.[15]
Later on March 22, it was reported that state senatorMerrill Piepkornhad filed the paperwork to run, but did not announce any campaign.[16]On March 31, Travis Hipsher ended his campaign, making way for Piepkorn's announcement on April 2.[17][18]
Republican primary
editCandidates
editNominee
edit- Kelly Armstrong,U.S. Representative fromNorth Dakota's at-large congressional district(2019–2024)[19]
- Running Mate:Michelle Strinden,state representativefor the 41st district (2019–2024)[20]
Eliminated in primary
edit- Tammy Miller,Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota(2023–2024)[21]
- Running Mate: Josh Teigen, commissioner of theNorth Dakota Department of Commerce(2022–2024)[22]
Withdrawn
edit- Tom Campbell,formerstate senatorfrom the 19th district (2012–2018) and candidate forNorth Dakota's at-large congressional districtin2018[5](ran for U.S. House)[23]
Declined
edit- Kirsten Baesler,North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction(2013–present)(ran for re-election)[24]
- Thomas Beadle,North Dakota State Treasurer(2021–present)(ran for re-election)[24]
- Doug Burgum,Governor of North Dakota (2016–2024)[2](endorsed Miller)[25]
- Kevin Cramer,U.S. Senator(2018–present)(endorsed Armstrong,ran for re-election)[26][27]
- Julie Fedorchak,member of theNorth Dakota Public Service Commission(2012–present)[28](ran for U.S. House)[29]
- Michael Howe,North Dakota Secretary of State(2023–present)(endorsed Armstrong)[24]
- Drew Wrigley,North Dakota Attorney General(2022–present)[30]
Endorsements
editFederal officials
- Donald Trump,formerPresident of the United States(2017–2021)[31]
U.S. Senators
- Kevin Cramer,U.S. Senatorfor North Dakota (2019–present)[26]
- John Hoeven,U.S. Senatorfor North Dakota (2011–present) and formergovernor(2000–2010)[32]
Statewide officials
- Michael Howe,North Dakota Secretary of State(2023–present)[24]
Organizations
Statewide officials
- Doug Burgum,Governor of North Dakota(2016–2024)[25]
Debates
editPrairie Public Broadcastinghosted a debate between Armstrong and Miller on April 23.[34]On May 2, it was announced that the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce would hold a live, in person debate on May 30.[35]A third debate was held on June 7.[36]
No. | Date | Host | Moderator | Link | Republican | Republican |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key: PParticipantAAbsentNNot invitedIInvitedWWithdrawn |
||||||
Kelly Armstrong | Tammy Miller | |||||
1 | April 23, 2024 | Prairie Public Broadcasting | Dave Thompson | YouTube | P | P |
2 | May 30, 2024 | FMWFChamber of Commerce | P | P |
Polling
editPoll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Kelly Armstrong |
Tammy Miller |
Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WPA Intelligence[37][A] | May 20–22, 2024 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 57% | 19% | 24% |
DFM Research(D)[38][B] | May 6–8, 2024 | 400 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 56% | 18% | 26% |
Guidant Polling and Strategy[39][C] | May 4−8, 2024 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 60% | 19% | 19% |
Results
edit- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
- 80–90%
- 50-60%
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Kelly Armstrong Michelle Strinden |
67,704 | 73.2% | |
Republican | Tammy Miller Josh Teigen |
24,784 | 26.8% | |
Total votes | 92,488 | 100.0% |
Democratic-NPL Primary
editCandidates
editNominee
edit- Merrill Piepkorn,state senatorfor the 44th district (2016–2024)[41]
- Running mate: Patrick Hart, treasurer of theNorth Dakota Democratic-Nonpartisan League Partyand nominee for state auditor in2020[20]
Withdrawn
edit- Travis Hipsher, security guard[42]
Endorsements
editOrganizations
Results
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic–NPL | Merrill Piepkorn Patrick Hart |
19,609 | 100.0% | |
Total votes | 19,609 | 100.0% |
Independent
editCandidates
editDeclared
editGeneral election
editPredictions
editSource | Ranking | As of |
---|---|---|
The Cook Political Report[46] | Solid R | June 13, 2024 |
Inside Elections[47] | Solid R | July 14, 2023 |
Sabato's Crystal Ball[48] | Safe R | June 4, 2024 |
RCP[49] | Solid R | July 13, 2024 |
Elections Daily[50] | Safe R | July 12, 2023 |
CNalysis[51] | Solid R | August 17, 2024 |
Post-primary endorsements
editStatewide officials
- Tammy Miller,North Dakota Lieutenant Governor(2023–2024)[52]
Debates
editNo. | Date | Host | Moderator | Link | Democratic-NPL | Republican | Independent |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key: PParticipantAAbsentNNot invitedIInvitedWWithdrawn |
|||||||
Merrill Piepkorn | Kelly Armstrong | Michael Coachman | |||||
1 | September 6, 2024 | Forum Communications | Rob Port | Youtube | P | P | N |
2 | October 8, 2024 | KFGO News | Paul Jurgens, Amy Dalrymple, and Jim Shaw |
Omny | P | P | N |
3 | October 10, 2024 | Prairie Public Broadcasting | Dave Thompson | C-SPAN | P | P | P |
4 | October 14, 2024 | BEK TV | C-SPAN | P | P | P |
Polling
editPoll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Kelly Armstrong (R) |
Merrill Piepkorn (D) |
Michael Coachman (I) |
Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WPA Intelligence[53][A] | September 28–30, 2024 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 54% | 24% | 3% | 19% |
Public Opinion Strategies[54][D] | June 15–19, 2024 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.38% | 61% | 22% | 11% | 6% |
Results
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Kelly Armstrong Michelle Strinden |
247,056 | 68.26% | +2.42% | |
Democratic–NPL | Merrill Piepkorn Patrick Hart |
94,043 | 25.98% | +0.60% | |
Independent | Michael Coachman Lydia Gessele |
20,322 | 5.61% | N/A | |
Write-in | 530 | 0.15% | -4.75% | ||
Total votes | 361,951 | 100.00% | N/A | ||
Republicanhold |
Notes
editPartisan clients
References
edit- ^MacPherson, James (November 8, 2022)."North Dakota voters OK term limits for governor, legislators".Associated Press News.RetrievedNovember 20,2022.
- ^abDura, Jack (January 22, 2024)."His presidential bid over, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum says he won't seek a third term as governor".The Associated Press.RetrievedJanuary 22,2024.
- ^Thaden, Geoff (January 4, 2024)."Tom Campbell Poised to Enter Governor's Race Regardless of Doug Burgum's Decision on Reelection".WDAY (AM).RetrievedJanuary 26,2024.
- ^Port, Rob (December 15, 2023)."Port: Former state Sen. Tom Campbell sounds like he's ready to be governor".The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.Archivedfrom the original on December 15, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 26,2024.
- ^abLarson, Chris (January 21, 2024)."Former State Senator Tom Campbell to run for Governor".WDAY.RetrievedJanuary 22,2024.
- ^"Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota's lone congressman, runs for governor".January 23, 2024.
- ^"Armstrong announces run for ND governor".January 23, 2024.
- ^Nazzaro, Miranda (January 23, 2024)."North Dakota lawmaker running for governor".The Hill.
- ^"North Dakota governor candidates emerge as Burgum bows out".January 22, 2024.
- ^"Tom Campbell announces bid for North Dakota's US House seat".January 26, 2024.
- ^"Democrat Travis Hipsher discusses run for ND governor".February 2024.
- ^"ND dem NPL Gubernatorial candidate Hipsher: This is" opportunity to push my ideas "".February 2, 2024.
- ^"Independent candidate Michael Coachman discusses bid for ND governor".KFYR-TV.February 11, 2024.
- ^"Former candidate who tried to recall Gov. Burgum runs again for North Dakota governor".Associated Press.February 6, 2024.
- ^"Lt. Governor Tammy Miller announces run for ND governor".KFYR-TV.February 15, 2024.
- ^Skurzewski, Joe (March 23, 2024)."Fargo Democrat Piepkorn files paperwork for gubernatorial bid; does not officially confirm campaign".RetrievedApril 9,2024.
- ^Gick, Justin (March 31, 2024)."Democrat Travis Hipsher withdraws from the North Dakota gubernatorial race".KFYR-TV.RetrievedApril 9,2024.
- ^Gick, Justin (April 2, 2024)."Democrat Merrill Piepkorn enters North Dakota's governor's race".KFYR-TV.RetrievedApril 9,2024.
- ^"Armstrong announces run for ND Governor".KFYR-TV.January 23, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 23,2024.
- ^abJanke, Ryan."N.D. Republican, Democratic parties endorse candidates for governor".KFGO.RetrievedApril 9,2024.
- ^Monk, Jim (February 15, 2024)."Lt. Governor Tammy Miller joins race for North Dakota governor".KVRR.
- ^Jurgens, Paul."Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller choses [sic] Josh Teigen as running mate ".KFGO.RetrievedApril 9,2024.
- ^Carvell, Tasha (January 26, 2023)."Tom Campbell says he'll seek N.D. GOP nomination for U.S. House".KFGO.RetrievedJanuary 26,2023.
- ^abcdPort, Rob (January 22, 2024)."Which North Dakota Republicans are running for governor and U.S. House?".The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.RetrievedJanuary 23,2024.
- ^abGick, Justin (February 21, 2024)."Burgum endorses Tammy Miller for ND governor".KFYR-TV.RetrievedFebruary 21,2024.
- ^abGick, Justin (April 3, 2024)."Cramer endorses Armstrong for governor".KFYR-TV.RetrievedApril 3,2024.
- ^Adragna, Anthony (January 23, 2024)."Kevin Cramer won't run for North Dakota governor".Politico.RetrievedJanuary 23,2024.
- ^Larson, Chris (January 29, 2024)."Fedorchak will not run for Governor in 2024".WDAY.RetrievedJanuary 30,2024.
- ^Fulton, Jacob (February 15, 2024)."North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak to run for US House".The Bismarck Tribune.RetrievedFebruary 15,2024.
- ^Springer, Patrick (January 22, 2024)."Doug Burgum will not seek 3rd term; Lt. Gov. Miller expresses interest as AG Wrigley declines".The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.
- ^Port, Rob (May 30, 2024)."Port: Trump endorses Armstrong, Fedorchak in North Dakota's Republican primaries".Jamestown Sun.RetrievedMay 30,2024.
- ^Gick, Justin (April 2, 2024)."Hoeven endorses Armstrong for governor".KFYR-TV.RetrievedApril 2,2024.
- ^"Kelly Armstrong, Michelle Strinden endorsed for Gov., Lt. Gov".April 6, 2024.
- ^"North Dakota Republican candidates headed into first debate for governor's race".InForum.April 22, 2024.RetrievedMay 6,2024.
- ^"FMWF Chamber announces live Gubernatorial debate between Kelly Armstrong and Tammy Miller".WDAY Radio.May 3, 2024.RetrievedMay 6,2024.
- ^Downs, Michael (June 7, 2024)."North Dakota Gubernatorial Republican Primary Debate | 6-7-24".WDAY.RetrievedJune 8,2024.
- ^WPA Intelligence
- ^DFM Research (D)
- ^Guidant Polling and Strategy
- ^"2024 North Dakota Election Results".Associated Press News.
- ^Hjelmstad, Gretchen (April 2, 2024)."Merrill Piepkorn launches campaign for Governor of North Dakota".KVLY-TV.RetrievedApril 2,2024.
- ^Gick, Justin (March 31, 2024)."Democrat Travis Hipsher withdraws from the North Dakota gubernatorial race".KFYR-TV.RetrievedMarch 31,2024.
- ^"North Dakota Democrats endorse Merrill Piepkorn, Patrick Hart as Governor, Lieutenant Governor candidates".
- ^"Former candidate who tried to recall Gov. Burgum runs again for North Dakota governor".KFYR-TV.February 7, 2024.
- ^"Trump rally scheduled June 15 at North Dakota Capitol, but former president not expected".May 23, 2024.
- ^"2024 Governor Race ratings".The Cook Political Report.RetrievedJuly 24,2023.
- ^"Gubernatorial Ratings".Inside Elections.RetrievedJuly 24,2023.
- ^"2024 Gubernatorial race ratings".Sabato's Crystal Ball.RetrievedJuly 24,2023.
- ^"2024 Governor Races".realclearpolling.RetrievedJuly 16,2024.
- ^"Election Ratings".Elections Daily.July 22, 2023.RetrievedJuly 24,2023.
- ^"Governor Forecasts".CNalysis.RetrievedAugust 17,2024.
- ^"Tammy Miller congratulates Kelly Armstrong on winning GOP Governor nomination".KX NEWS.June 12, 2024.RetrievedJune 12,2024.
- ^WPA Intelligence
- ^Public Opinion Strategies
- ^"North Dakota Secretary of State".
External links
editOfficial campaign websites