Two candidates are running in the Republican primary election for Governor of North Dakota on June 11, 2024: Kelly Armstrong (R) and Tammy Miller (R).

Armstrong and Miller announced their candidacies after Incumbent Gov. Doug Burgum (R) said he would not seek re-election on Jan 22.

Armstrong and Miller both say they support reducing taxes, increasing energy production, and increasing resources for law enforcement agencies. Both candidates say they support former president Donald Trump (R) and oppose President Joe Biden’s (D) policies.

Armstrong says his experience in the North Dakota state Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives would benefit him as governor. Armstrong says he would continue to push for the same policies he did in Congress. Armstrong said, “For the past five years as your congressman, I’ve been fighting for North Dakota in D.C. I fought against federal overreach, a two-tiered justice system, and a radical liberal agenda. I have fought for states’ rights, individual liberty, and common sense.” The North Dakota Republican Party endorsed Armstrong at its April convention in Fargo, North Dakota.

Miller says her experience as the lieutenant governor, chief operating officer of the governor’s office, and CEO of an electrical distribution company makes her the most qualified candidate. She said, “I have worked with the governor for four years and really understand the momentum we’ve built and want to take that to the next level. I am well prepared. That bit of time as lieutenant governor has been very helpful – understanding what all of our state agencies do. But I think the business experience, being a business leader, is the best preparation I have to move into the governor’s office.” Gov. Burgum endorsed Miller on Feb. 21.

In North Dakota, candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run together as a ticket. State Rep. Michelle Strinden (R) is running for lieutenant governor with Armstrong, and North Dakota Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen (R) is running for lieutenant governor with Miller.

Republicans have controlled the governorship since 1993, and independent election analysts rate the office as a safe Republican seat, meaning the winner of the Republican primary will likely win the general election.

This is one of 11 gubernatorial elections taking place in 2024. The governor serves as a state’s top executive official and is the only executive office elected in all 50 states. There are currently 27 Republican governors and 23 Democratic governors.