Kelly Michael Armstrong(born October 8, 1976)[1][2]is an American lawyer and politician serving as the 34thgovernor of North Dakotasince 2024. A member of the Republican Party, he served from 2019 to 2024 as theU.S. representativeforNorth Dakota's at-large congressional district.He also served from 2012 to 2018 as theNorth Dakota state senatorfrom the 36th district and from 2015 to 2018 as chair of theNorth Dakota Republican Party.On January 23, 2024, he announced he would not seek reelection to the House and would instead run in the2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election.[3]Armstrong won the Republican primary on June 11, 2024, and defeated Democratic nomineeMerrill Piepkornin the general election.[4]
Kelly Armstrong | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2018 | |
| 34thGovernor of North Dakota | |
| Assumed office December 15, 2024 | |
| Lieutenant | Michelle Strinden |
| Preceded by | Doug Burgum |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromNorth Dakota'sat-largedistrict | |
| In office January 3, 2019 – December 14, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Kevin Cramer |
| Succeeded by | Julie Fedorchak |
| Chair of theNorth Dakota Republican Party | |
| In office June 6, 2015 – February 20, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Harms |
| Succeeded by | Jim Poolman(acting) |
| Member of theNorth Dakota Senate from the 36th district | |
| In office December 1, 2012 – November 8, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | George Nodland |
| Succeeded by | Jay Elkin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Kelly Michael Armstrong October 8, 1976 Dickinson, North Dakota,U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Kjersti Høiby (m.2004) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of North Dakota(BA,JD) |
Early life and education
editArmstrong graduated fromDickinson High Schoolin 1995. He earned aBachelor of Artsinpsychologyfrom theUniversity of North Dakotain 2001 and aJuris Doctorfrom theUniversity of North Dakota School of Lawin 2003, after spending his first year of law school at theCollege of William & Mary.[5]He is a member of theSigma Chifraternity.
Career
editBefore his election to Congress, Armstrong was apartnerat Reichert Armstrong, with offices inGrand ForksandDickinson.He was vice president of Armstrong Corp.[6]
He served from 2013 to 2018 as theNorth Dakota state senatorfrom the 36th district[7]and chaired theNorth Dakota Republican Partyfrom 2015 to 2018.[8]
U.S. House of Representatives
editElections
edit2018
editIn February 2018, Armstrong announced his candidacy for theUnited States House of Representatives.[9]He was endorsed by the North Dakota Republican Party at its state party convention in April 2018.[10]Armstrong won the November 6 election with 60.2% of the vote.[11]He resigned his seat in the North Dakota Legislature on November 7 and took office in Congress in January 2019, replacingKevin Cramer,who was elected to theUnited States Senate.
2020
editArmstrong was reelected with 68.96% of the vote.[12]
2022
editArmstrong was reelected with 62.2% of the vote.[13]
Tenure
editArmstrong was one of a coalition of seven Republicans who did not support their colleagues' efforts tochallenge the resultsof the2020 presidential electionon January 6, 2021. These seven signed a letter that, while giving credence to election fraud allegations made by PresidentDonald Trump,said Congress did not have the authority to influence the election's outcome.[14]
On July 19, 2022, Armstrong and 46 other Republican representatives voted for theRespect for Marriage Act,which would codify the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.[15]Armstrong was nearly censured in a 26–28 vote during a state party meeting for his vote.[16]In September 2022, Armstrong was one of 39 Republicans to vote for the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, anantitrustpackage that would crack down on corporations for anti-competitive behavior.[17][18]On June 14, 2023, Armstrong voted to table the first censure bill againstAdam Schiff,finding the $16 million fine excessive. Former presidentDonald Trumpcalled for all 20 Republicans who voted against the bill to be "primaried". Armstrong supported the second attempt a week later when the fine was removed.[19]
Armstrong voted to provide Israel with support following the2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[20][21]In November 2023, he voted against censuring RepresentativeRashida Tlaibon the grounds ofantisemitismafter her criticism ofIsrael.[22]Later that month, he was picked to fill the vacancy on theHouse Judiciary Committeeleft byMike Johnson's election asSpeaker of the House.[23][24]In December 2023, Armstrong joined 105 House Republicans in voting to expelGeorge Santosafter aHouse ethics committeeconcluded that he had broken federal law.[25]On December 14, 2024, Armstrong submitted his letter of resignation from Congress effective at midnight that night in order to take office as governor of North Dakota the next day. He added: "It's been an honor. Time to go home."[26]
Committee assignments
edit- Committee on Energy and Commerce(Vice Chair)
- Committee on the Judiciary
- Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government
Caucus memberships
edit- Republican Governance Group[27]
- Friends of Norway Caucus (co-chair)
- Fire Services Caucus
- Bipartisan Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Task Force
- Air Force Caucus
- Coal Caucus
- Rural Broadband Caucus
- Northern Border Caucus
- Northern Border Security Caucus
- National Guard and Reserve Caucus
- Caucus on Youth Sports
- Sportsmen's Caucus
- Republican Study Committee[28]
Governor of North Dakota
edit2024 gubernatorial election
editOn January 23, 2024, Armstrong announced he would not run for reelection, instead opting to run forgovernor of North Dakotaafter incumbentDoug Burgumannounced he would not run for a third term.[29][30]He said he would focus on lowertaxes,cutting regulations, and bolstering the state's workforce.[31]
Armstrong facedLieutenant GovernorTammy Millerin the primary for theNorth Dakota Republican Partyendorsement. Armstrong and Miller had an aggressive primary battle, with Armstrong the first to release attack ads.[32]He was later criticized for releasing an ad calling Miller "Tall-Tale Tammy" in which he usedArtificial Intelligence-generated sources.[33]Armstrong was endorsed bySecretary of StateMichael HoweandU.S. senatorJohn Hoeven.[34]Burgum endorsed Miller, saying North Dakota did not need a lawyer in the office.[35]Armstrong won the primary and chosestate representativeMichelle Strindenas his running mate.[36]
Armstrong defeatedDemocratic-NPLcandidateMerrill Piepkornand independent Michael Coachman in thegeneral election[37]with 68.3% of the vote. Piepkorn received 26% and Coachman 5.6%.[38]
Tenure
editIn accordance with theNorth Dakota Constitution,Armstrong and Strinden took office as governor and lieutenant governor on December 15, 2024. One of Armstrong's first actions as governor was to fill the vacant seat on theNorth Dakota Public Service Commissionleft by his congressional successor,Julie Fedorchak.Armstrong chose commission stafferJill Kringstadto fill the seat.[39][40][41]
Before the beginning of the legislative session, Armstrong proposed a plan to eliminateproperty taxesin the state, which was first addressed publicly by the failedmeasure 4ballot in 2024.[42]The plan involved using money from theLegacy Fundto cover the cost ofprimary residenceproperty taxes, more tax credits for seniors and people with disabilities, and a 3% cap on increases to any property tax.[43][44][45][46][47][48]Armstrong testified before thehouse finance and taxation committeein support of his plan, put into legislation by representativeMike Nathe.[49]On February 18, 2025, Armstrong signed the primary residence portion of the plan into law. Introduced by senatorMark Weber.[50][51]
Armstrong received backlash for ordering flags to be flown atfull staffoninauguration dayafter PresidentJoe Bidenordered all flags athalf staffin observance ofJimmy Carter's death.[52][53]Armstrong said the flag will return to half staff after the inauguration.[54]
In 2025, Armstrong defended the federal funding freezes and firings thatElon Musk'sDepartment of Government Efficiencywere enacting. Armstrong said the media was stoking fears and that he had not heard "a ton" of concerns from North Dakota residents.[55]
Political positions
editAbortion
editArmstring supports a ban on abortion.[6]During a debate againstCara Mundin2022,Armstrong said he supported the U.S. Supreme Court decision inDobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization(2022) that overturned the right to abortion set forth inRoe v. Wade(1973). He also said he does not support a federal abortion ban.[56]
Election integrity
editArmstrong was one of seven Republicans who did not support their colleagues' efforts tochallenge the resultsof the2020 presidential electionon January 6, 2021. These seven signed a letter that, while giving credence to election fraud allegations made by PresidentDonald Trump,said Congress did not have the authority to influence the election's outcome.[57]
Armstrong was generally critical of a ballot measure that would require all ballots to be counted by hand and on paper, saying, "I don't think you can get it done. And, it turns out, it's less accurate."[58]
Gun rights
editArmstrong said he does not support most gun control legislation, and that he would not support a ban onbinary triggerslike those used in the2023 shooting of Fargo police officers.[59]
Armstrong is an avid hunter.[60]
LGBT rights
editIn 2022, Armstrong was one of 47 republicans who went against the party and voted for theRespect for Marriage Act,which codified the right tosame-sex marriageinto federal law.[61][62]
During a debate withMerrill Piepkornin 2024, Armstrong said there is a difference between gender identity and biology and that he does not supporttransgenderstudents playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. But, he added, "Dress however you want. Be who you want to be. This country is a fantastic, weird place, and I think it is great."[63]
Taxes
editBesides his property tax reform plan, Armstrong publicly opposedMeasure 4in 2024, which would have completely eliminated state and local governments' power to levy property tax.[64]OnePACassociated with Armstrong funneled thousands of dollars into anti-measure 4 efforts.[65]
Personal life
editArmstrong met his wife Kjersti, aNorwegiancitizen, while the two were atUniversity of North Dakota.[66][67]They married in 2004 and have two children. Kjersti became a dual U.S. citizen in 2021.[67]
Armstrong has played, coached, and expressed his love ofbaseball.[68]His inaugural gala was themed around the sport.[69]
Electoral history
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kelly Armstrong | 37,054 | 56.23 | |
| Republican | Tom Campbell(withdrawn) | 17,692 | 26.85 | |
| Republican | Tiffany Abentroth | 5,877 | 8.92 | |
| Republican | Paul Schaffner | 5,203 | 7.90 | |
| Republican | Write-Ins | 75 | 0.11 | |
| Total votes | 65,901 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kelly Armstrong | 193,568 | 60.20% | −8.93% | |
| Democratic–NPL | Mac Schneider | 114,377 | 35.57% | +11.82% | |
| Independent | Charles Tuttle | 13,066 | 4.06% | N/A | |
| Write-in | 521 | 0.16% | N/A | ||
| Total votes | 321,532 | 100.00% | |||
| Republicanhold | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kelly Armstrong (incumbent) | 245,229 | 68.96% | +8.76% | |
| Democratic–NPL | Zach Raknerud | 97,970 | 27.55% | −8.02% | |
| Libertarian | Steven Peterson | 12,024 | 3.38% | N/A | |
| Write-in | 375 | 0.11% | -0.05% | ||
| Total votes | 355,598 | 100.00% | |||
| Republicanhold | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kelly Armstrong (incumbent) | 148,399 | 62.20% | –6.76 | |
| Independent | Cara Mund | 89,644 | 37.57% | N/A | |
| Write-in | 543 | 0.23% | +0.12 | ||
| Total votes | 238,586 | 100.00% | |||
| Republicanhold | |||||
| 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 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | 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 | |||||
References
edit- ^"Kelly Armstrong's Biography".Project Vote Smart.RetrievedMarch 7,2018.
- ^"North Dakota New Members 2019".The Hill.November 15, 2018.
- ^Nazzaro, Miranda (January 23, 2024)."North Dakota lawmaker running for governor".The Hill.RetrievedJanuary 23,2024.
- ^"North Dakota Governor Primary Election Results".The New York Times.June 11, 2024.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedOctober 27,2024.
- ^Grandstrand, Katherine (December 20, 2012)."District 36 representation: All Kelly Armstrong wanted was to get away, but Dickinson is home".The Dickinson Press.Archived fromthe originalon June 22, 2018.RetrievedMarch 7,2018.
- ^abSteurer, Mary (April 24, 2024)."Armstrong, Miller debate shows difference of personality but not policy • North Dakota Monitor".North Dakota Monitor.
- ^"Senator Kelly M. Armstrong".Bismarck, North Dakota:North Dakota Legislature.RetrievedMarch 7,2018.
- ^"Sen. Kelly Armstrong of Dickinson elected chair of ND Republican Party".Grand Forks Herald.Forum News Service. June 6, 2015. Archived fromthe originalon June 22, 2018.RetrievedMarch 7,2018.
- ^Dura, Jack (February 22, 2018)."Armstrong joins packed House race".The Clarion-Ledger.
- ^Monk, Jim (April 7, 2018)."Armstrong wins GOP House endorsement".The Mighty 790 KFGO.Archived fromthe originalon November 8, 2018.RetrievedApril 10,2018.
- ^Wasserman, David; Flinn, Ally (November 7, 2018)."2018 House Popular Vote Tracker".Cook Political Report.RetrievedFebruary 15,2019.
- ^"OFFICIAL (WITHOUT RECOUNTS) 2020 GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS: Representative in Congress".North Dakota Election Officials.RetrievedNovember 17,2020.
- ^"Unofficial 2022 General Election Results".North Dakota Secretary of State.November 8, 2022.RetrievedNovember 13,2022.
- ^Budryk, Zack (January 3, 2021)."Coalition of 7 conservative House Republicans says they won't challenge election results".The Hill.RetrievedJanuary 3,2021.
- ^Schnell, Mychael (July 19, 2022)."These are the 47 House Republicans who voted for a bill protecting marriage equality".The Hill.RetrievedJuly 25,2022.
- ^"Port: NDGOP rids itself of code of conduct, nearly censures Rep. Kelly Armstrong".InForum.October 16, 2023.RetrievedFebruary 1,2024.
- ^"House passes antitrust bill that hikes M&A fees as larger efforts targeting tech have stalled".CNBC.September 29, 2022.
- ^"H.R. 3843 (117th): Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022 -- House Vote #460 -- Sep 29, 2022".GovTrack.us.
- ^Baumgarten, April (June 20, 2023)."Trump calls for North Dakota's Kelly Armstrong to 'immediately be primaried'".Inforum.RetrievedJanuary 25,2024.
- ^Demir gian, Karoun (October 25, 2023)."House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedOctober 30,2023.
- ^Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (October 25, 2023)."Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session".Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives.RetrievedOctober 30,2023.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^Gick, Justin (November 5, 2023)."Rep. Kelly Armstrong one of 23 Republicans voting not to censure Rep. Tlaib on Israel comments".kfyrtv.
- ^Janke, Ryan."Armstrong to fill seat vacated by new U.S. Speaker of the House, announces re-election".
- ^"Rep. Kelly Armstrong Recommended To Take Speaker Johnson's Judiciary Seat".November 14, 2023.
- ^Sweeney, Pat."Armstrong votes for, Fischbach votes against ousting Santos".
- ^Skurzewski, Joe.""Time to go home": Kelly Armstrong submits resignation from Congress ".KFYR.RetrievedDecember 14,2024.
- ^"Homepage of Republican Governance Group".Republican Governance Group.December 14, 2019.
- ^"Membership".Republican Study Committee.December 6, 2017.RetrievedMarch 28,2021.
- ^"Kelly Armstrong will run for North Dakota governor, giving up state's sole House seat".POLITICO.January 23, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 1,2024.
- ^"Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota's lone congressman, runs for governor".San Diego Union-Tribune.January 23, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 1,2024.
- ^"Kelly Armstrong highlights campaign themes at Fargo kickoff event".InForum.January 26, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 1,2024.
- ^"Port: Here's a preview of the mud that's about to be slung in North Dakota's gubernatorial primary".InForum.March 18, 2024.RetrievedApril 4,2024.
- ^"Port: Armstrong rips 'Tall Tale' Tammy Miller; her campaign says that's 'a whole lot of B.S.'".InForum.March 20, 2024.RetrievedApril 4,2024.
- ^Gick, Justin (April 2, 2024)."Hoeven endorses Armstrong for governor".RetrievedApril 4,2024.
- ^"Burgum suggests Armstrong isn't the right choice for governor; Armstrong responds".March 11, 2024.RetrievedApril 4,2024.
- ^"Endorsed for governor by North Dakota GOP, Kelly Armstrong taps Fargo's Michelle Strinden as running mate".InForum.April 6, 2024.RetrievedNovember 14,2024.
- ^Haney, Don."Piepkorn makes campaign for governor official".The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO.RetrievedApril 4,2024.
- ^"North Dakota Governor Election 2024 Live Results: Kelly Armstrong Wins".nbcnews.November 14, 2024.RetrievedNovember 14,2024.
- ^"Armstrong appoints Jill Kringstad to succeed Fedorchak on North Dakota Public Service Commission | North Dakota Office of the Governor".governor.nd.gov.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^Pelaez, Juliana (January 6, 2025)."Gov. Kelly Armstrong Announces Jill Kringstad As New Public Service Commissioner".KVRR Local News.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^Anthony, Michael (January 6, 2025)."Jill Kringstad appointed to serve on Public Service Commission".RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"North Dakota Initiated Measure 4, Prohibit Taxes on Assessed Value of Real Property Initiative (2024)".Ballotpedia.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"North Dakota's new governor eyes 'path to zero' property tax on people's homes. Can it be done?".RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^Williams, Austin (January 14, 2025)."North Dakota's governor wants to eliminate property taxes; here's how it could work".FOX TV Digital Team.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^Achterling, Michael; Beach, Jeff (January 7, 2025)."North Dakota governor unveils bold property tax plan in first State of the State address • North Dakota Monitor".North Dakota Monitor.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"Armstrong outlines property tax relief and reform plan in 2025 State of the State Address to Legislature | North Dakota Office of the Governor".governor.nd.gov.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"North Dakota's new governor eyes 'path to zero' property tax on people's homes. Can it be done?".AP News.January 14, 2025.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^ Seamons, Kate (January 14, 2025)."North Dakota Governor Proposes Ending Property Taxes".Newser.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^ "House committee looking at property tax relief and reform".Prairie Public.January 15, 2025.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^https://northdakotamonitor /briefs/lawmakers-receive-committee-assignments-for-2025-legislative-session/
- ^https:// governor.nd.gov/news/armstrong-signs-first-bill-2025-legislative-session-expanding-eligibility-primary-residence
- ^James, Hannah (January 14, 2025)."Flag protocol debate intensifies as Inauguration Day meets Jimmy Carter mourning period".WEAR.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"Port: Armstrong acquiescing to Trump's flag edict just feels un-American".InForum.January 14, 2025.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong orders flags to fly at full-staff for Trump's inauguration".InForum.January 14, 2025.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"Republican governors defend DOGE even as they face looming deficits".POLITICO.February 22, 2025.
- ^"Armstrong, Mund clash on abortion, campaign finance in fiery final debate".InForum.October 11, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^Budryk, Zack (January 3, 2021)."Coalition of 7 conservative House Republicans says they won't challenge election results".The Hill.RetrievedJanuary 3,2021.
- ^Achterling, Michael (March 12, 2024)."Armstrong says experience is a strength in bid to be North Dakota's next governor • North Dakota Monitor".North Dakota Monitor.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^Achterling, Michael (October 8, 2024)."Armstrong, Piepkorn differ on gun laws during second gubernatorial debate • North Dakota Monitor".North Dakota Monitor.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"Habitat and Hunting Access Summit Recording Available".The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"These are the 47 House Republicans who voted for a bill protecting marriage equality".RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"Port: Republican Congressman Armstrong says he'll vote to codify federal recognition of same-sex marriage".InForum.July 19, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"Candidates clash over abortion, gun rights, transgender issues in 2nd North Dakota governor's debate".InForum.October 8, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^Achterling, Michael (October 4, 2024)."Armstrong opposes Measure 4 but says property tax reform should be priority • North Dakota Monitor".North Dakota Monitor.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"Port: PAC affiliated with Kelly Armstrong comes out swinging against Measure 4".InForum.October 16, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^"Kjersti Armstrong — Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library".TRPresLibrary.RetrievedFebruary 16,2025.
- ^ab"Wife of North Dakota congressman becomes a US citizen".Dickinson Press.September 14, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 24,2025.
- ^https:// kfyrtv /content/news/Behind-the-Candidate-Kelly-Armstrong-490869861.html
- ^https:// kxnet /news/local-news/governor-armstrong-swings-into-a-new-era-for-north-dakota-with-inaugural-ball/
- ^Johnson, Cheryl L. (February 28, 2019)."Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 6, 2018".Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.RetrievedApril 27,2019.
- ^"Statewide Election Results".North Dakota Secretary of State.November 12, 2020.
- ^"Official 2022 General Election Results".North Dakota Secretary of State.November 8, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 26,2024.
- ^"2024 Republican Governor primary election Results".Associated Press News.RetrievedJuly 2,2024.
- ^"North Dakota Secretary of State".results.sos.nd.gov.
External links
edit
- Congressman Kelly Armstrongofficial U.S. House website
- Kelly Armstrong for Congressofficial campaign site
- Biographyat theBiographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office)at theFederal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsoredat theLibrary of Congress
- ProfileatVote Smart
- Profileat theNorth Dakota Legislature
- AppearancesonC-SPAN