Kelly Armstrong

Not to be confused with the Canadian writer Kelley Armstrong.

Kelly Michael Armstrong (born October 8, 1976)^[1][2] is an American lawyer and politician serving as the 34th governor of North Dakota since 2024. A member of the Republican Party, he served from 2019 to 2024 as the U.S. representative for North Dakota's at-large congressional district. He also served from 2012 to 2018 as the North Dakota state senator from the 36th district and from 2015 to 2018 as chair of the North Dakota Republican Party. On January 23, 2024, he announced he would not seek reelection to the House and would instead run in the 2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election.^[3] Armstrong won the Republican primary on June 11, 2024, and defeated Democratic nominee Merrill Piepkorn in the general election.^[4]

Kelly Armstrong
Official portrait, 2018
34th Governor of North Dakota
Incumbent
Assumed office December 15, 2024
Lieutenant	Michelle Strinden
Preceded by	Doug Burgum
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Dakota's at-large district
In office January 3, 2019 – December 14, 2024
Preceded by	Kevin Cramer
Succeeded by	Julie Fedorchak
Chair of the North Dakota Republican Party
In office June 6, 2015 – February 20, 2018
Preceded by	Robert Harms
Succeeded by	Jim Poolman (acting)
Member of the North 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 (1976-10-08) October 8, 1976 (age 48) 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

Armstrong graduated from Dickinson High School in 1995. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of North Dakota in 2001 and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2003, after spending his first year of law school at the College of William & Mary.^[5] He is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Career

Before his election to Congress, Armstrong was a partner at Reichert Armstrong, with offices in Grand Forks and Dickinson. He served from 2013 to 2018 as the North Dakota state senator from the 36th district^[6] and chaired the North Dakota Republican Party from 2015 to 2018.^[7]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2018

Main article: 2018 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota

In February 2018, Armstrong announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives.^[8] He was endorsed by the North Dakota Republican Party at its state party convention in April 2018.^[9] Armstrong won the November 6 election with 60.2% of the vote.^[10] He resigned his seat in the North Dakota Legislature on November 7 and took office in Congress in January 2019, replacing Kevin Cramer, who was elected to the United States Senate.

2020

Main article: 2020 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota

Armstrong was reelected with 68.96% of the vote.^[11]

2022

Main article: 2022 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota

Armstrong was reelected with 62.2% of the vote.^[12]

Tenure

Armstrong was one of a coalition of seven Republicans who did not support their colleagues' efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election on January 6, 2021. These seven signed a letter that, while giving credence to election fraud allegations made by President Donald Trump, said Congress did not have the authority to influence the election's outcome.^[13]

On July 19, 2022, Armstrong and 46 other Republican representatives voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.^[14] Armstrong was nearly censured in a 26–28 vote during a state party meeting for his vote.^[15] In September 2022, Armstrong was one of 39 Republicans to vote for the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, an antitrust package that would crack down on corporations for anti-competitive behavior.^[16][17] On June 14, 2023, Armstrong voted to table the first censure bill against Adam Schiff, finding the $16 million fine excessive. Former president Donald Trump called 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.^[18]

Armstrong voted to provide Israel with support following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.^[19][20] In November 2023, he voted against censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib on the grounds of antisemitism after her criticism of Israel.^[21] Later that month, he was picked to fill the vacancy on the House Judiciary Committee left by Mike Johnson's election as Speaker of the House.^[22][23] In December 2023, Armstrong joined 105 House Republicans in voting to expel George Santos after a House ethics committee concluded that he had broken federal law.^[24] 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."^[25]

Committee assignments

• Committee on Energy and Commerce (Vice Chair)
  • Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security
  • Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
• Committee on the Judiciary
  • Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties
  • Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship
  • Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law
• Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government

Caucus memberships

• Republican Governance Group^[26]
• 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^[27]

Governor of North Dakota

2024 gubernatorial election

On January 23, 2024, Armstrong announced he would not run for reelection, instead opting to run for governor of North Dakota after incumbent Doug Burgum announced he would not run for a third term.^[28][29] He said he would focus on lower taxes, cutting regulations, and bolstering the state's workforce.^[30]

Armstrong faced Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller in the primary for the North Dakota Republican Party endorsement. Armstrong and Miller had an aggressive primary battle, with Armstrong the first to release attack ads.^[31] He was later criticized for releasing an ad calling Miller "Tall-Tale Tammy" in which he used Artificial Intelligence-generated sources.^[32] Armstrong was endorsed by Secretary of State Michael Howe and U.S. senator John Hoeven.^[33] Burgum endorsed Miller, saying North Dakota did not need a lawyer in the office.^[34] Armstrong won the primary and chose state representative Michelle Strinden as his running mate.^[35]

Armstrong defeated Democratic-NPL candidate Merrill Piepkorn and independent Michael Coachman in the general election^[36] with 68.3% of the vote. Piepkorn received 26% and Coachman 5.6%.^[37]

Tenure

In accordance with the North 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 the North Dakota Public Service Commission left by his congressional successor, Julie Fedorchak. Armstrong chose commission staffer Jill Kringstad to fill the seat.^[38][39][40]

Before the beginning of the legislative session, Armstrong proposed a plan to eliminate property taxes in the state, which was first addressed publicly by the failed measure 4 ballot in 2024.^[41] The plan involved using money from the Legacy Fund to cover the cost of primary residence property taxes, more tax credits for seniors and people with disabilities, and a 3% cap on increases to any property tax.^{[42][43][44][45][46][47]} Armstrong testified before the house finance and taxation committee in support of his plan, put into legislation by representative Mike Nathe.^[48] On February 18, 2025, Armstrong signed the primary residence portion of the plan into law. Introduced by senator Mark Weber.^[49][50]

Armstrong received backlash for ordering flags to be flown at full staff on inauguration day after President Joe Biden ordered all flags at half staff in observance of Jimmy Carter's death.^[51][52] Armstrong said the flag will return to half staff after the inauguration.^[53]

Political positions

Abortion

During a debate against Cara Mund in 2022, Armstrong said he supports Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022), the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned the right to abortion set forth in Roe v. Wade (1973). He also said he does not support a federal abortion ban.^[54]

Election integrity

Main article: Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election

Armstrong was one of seven Republicans who did not support their colleagues' efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election on January 6, 2021. These seven signed a letter that, while giving credence to election fraud allegations made by President Donald Trump, said Congress did not have the authority to influence the election's outcome.^[55]

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."^[56]

Gun rights

Armstrong said he does not support most gun control legislation, and that he would not support a ban on binary triggers like those used in the 2023 shooting of Fargo police officers.^[57]

Armstrong is an avid hunter.^[58]

LGBT rights

In 2022, Armstrong was one of 47 republicans who went against the party and voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified the right to same-sex marriage into federal law.^[59][60]

During a debate with Merrill Piepkorn in 2024, Armstrong said there is a difference between gender identity and biology and that he does not support transgender students 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."^[61]

Taxes

Besides his property tax reform plan, Armstrong publicly opposed Measure 4 in 2024, which would have completely eliminated state and local governments' power to levy property tax.^[62] One PAC associated with Armstrong funneled thousands of dollars into anti-measure 4 efforts.^[63]

Personal life

Armstrong met his wife Kjersti, a Norwegian citizen, while the two were at University of North Dakota.^[64][65] They married in 2004 and have two children. Kjersti became a dual U.S. citizen in 2021.^[65]

Armstrong has played, coached, and expressed his love of baseball.^[66] His inaugural gala was themed around the sport.^[67]

Electoral history

Republican primary results

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

2018 North Dakota's at-large congressional district election^[68]

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%
	Republican hold

2020 North Dakota's at-large congressional district election^[69]

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%
	Republican hold

2022 North Dakota's at-large congressional district election^[70]

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%
	Republican hold

2024 North Dakota Republican gubernatorial primary election^[71]

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

2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election^[72]

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
	Republican hold

References

1. "Kelly Armstrong's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
2. "North Dakota New Members 2019". The Hill. November 15, 2018.
3. Nazzaro, Miranda (January 23, 2024). "North Dakota lawmaker running for governor". The Hill. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
4. "North Dakota Governor Primary Election Results". The New York Times. June 11, 2024. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
5. Grandstrand, Katherine (December 20, 2012). "District 36 representation: All Kelly Armstrong wanted was to get away, but Dickinson is home". The Dickinson Press. Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
6. "Senator Kelly M. Armstrong". Bismarck, North Dakota: North Dakota Legislature. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
7. "Sen. Kelly Armstrong of Dickinson elected chair of ND Republican Party". Grand Forks Herald. Forum News Service. June 6, 2015. Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
8. Dura, Jack (February 22, 2018). "Armstrong joins packed House race". The Clarion-Ledger.
9. Monk, Jim (April 7, 2018). "Armstrong wins GOP House endorsement". The Mighty 790 KFGO. Archived from the original on November 8, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
10. Wasserman, David; Flinn, Ally (November 7, 2018). "2018 House Popular Vote Tracker". Cook Political Report. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
11. "OFFICIAL (WITHOUT RECOUNTS) 2020 GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS: Representative in Congress". North Dakota Election Officials. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
12. "Unofficial 2022 General Election Results". North Dakota Secretary of State. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 13, 2022.
13. Budryk, Zack (January 3, 2021). "Coalition of 7 conservative House Republicans says they won't challenge election results". The Hill. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
14. Schnell, Mychael (July 19, 2022). "These are the 47 House Republicans who voted for a bill protecting marriage equality". The Hill. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
15. "Port: NDGOP rids itself of code of conduct, nearly censures Rep. Kelly Armstrong". InForum. October 16, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
16. "House passes antitrust bill that hikes M&A fees as larger efforts targeting tech have stalled". CNBC. September 29, 2022.
17. "H.R. 3843 (117th): Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022 -- House Vote #460 -- Sep 29, 2022". GovTrack.us.
18. Baumgarten, April (June 20, 2023). "Trump calls for North Dakota's Kelly Armstrong to 'immediately be primaried'". Inforum. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
19. Demirjian, Karoun (October 25, 2023). "House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
20. 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. Retrieved October 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
21. Gick, Justin (November 5, 2023). "Rep. Kelly Armstrong one of 23 Republicans voting not to censure Rep. Tlaib on Israel comments". www.kfyrtv.com.
22. Janke, Ryan. "Armstrong to fill seat vacated by new U.S. Speaker of the House, announces re-election".
23. "Rep. Kelly Armstrong Recommended To Take Speaker Johnson's Judiciary Seat". November 14, 2023.
24. Sweeney, Pat. "Armstrong votes for, Fischbach votes against ousting Santos".
25. Skurzewski, Joe. ""Time to go home": Kelly Armstrong submits resignation from Congress". KFYR. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
26. "Homepage of Republican Governance Group". Republican Governance Group. December 14, 2019.
27. "Membership". Republican Study Committee. December 6, 2017. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
28. "Kelly Armstrong will run for North Dakota governor, giving up state's sole House seat". POLITICO. January 23, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
29. "Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota's lone congressman, runs for governor". San Diego Union-Tribune. January 23, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
30. "Kelly Armstrong highlights campaign themes at Fargo kickoff event". InForum. January 26, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
31. "Port: Here's a preview of the mud that's about to be slung in North Dakota's gubernatorial primary". InForum. March 18, 2024. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
32. "Port: Armstrong rips 'Tall Tale' Tammy Miller; her campaign says that's 'a whole lot of B.S.'". InForum. March 20, 2024. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
33. Gick, Justin (April 2, 2024). "Hoeven endorses Armstrong for governor". Retrieved April 4, 2024.
34. "Burgum suggests Armstrong isn't the right choice for governor; Armstrong responds". March 11, 2024. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
35. "Endorsed for governor by North Dakota GOP, Kelly Armstrong taps Fargo's Michelle Strinden as running mate". InForum. April 6, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
36. Haney, Don. "Piepkorn makes campaign for governor official". The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
37. "North Dakota Governor Election 2024 Live Results: Kelly Armstrong Wins". www.nbcnews.com. November 14, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
38. "Armstrong appoints Jill Kringstad to succeed Fedorchak on North Dakota Public Service Commission | North Dakota Office of the Governor". www.governor.nd.gov. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
39. Pelaez, Juliana (January 6, 2025). "Gov. Kelly Armstrong Announces Jill Kringstad As New Public Service Commissioner". KVRR Local News. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
40. Anthony, Michael (January 6, 2025). "Jill Kringstad appointed to serve on Public Service Commission". Retrieved January 24, 2025.
41. "North Dakota Initiated Measure 4, Prohibit Taxes on Assessed Value of Real Property Initiative (2024)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
42. "North Dakota's new governor eyes 'path to zero' property tax on people's homes. Can it be done?". Retrieved January 24, 2025.
43. Williams, Austin (January 14, 2025). "North Dakota's governor wants to eliminate property taxes; here's how it could work". FOX TV Digital Team. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
44. 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. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
45. "Armstrong outlines property tax relief and reform plan in 2025 State of the State Address to Legislature | North Dakota Office of the Governor". www.governor.nd.gov. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
46. "North Dakota's new governor eyes 'path to zero' property tax on people's homes. Can it be done?". AP News. January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
47. Seamons, Kate (January 14, 2025). "North Dakota Governor Proposes Ending Property Taxes". Newser. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
48. "House committee looking at property tax relief and reform". Prairie Public. January 15, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
49. https://northdakotamonitor.com/briefs/lawmakers-receive-committee-assignments-for-2025-legislative-session/
50. https://www.governor.nd.gov/news/armstrong-signs-first-bill-2025-legislative-session-expanding-eligibility-primary-residence
51. James, Hannah (January 14, 2025). "Flag protocol debate intensifies as Inauguration Day meets Jimmy Carter mourning period". WEAR. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
52. "Port: Armstrong acquiescing to Trump's flag edict just feels un-American". InForum. January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
53. "North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong orders flags to fly at full-staff for Trump's inauguration". InForum. January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
54. "Armstrong, Mund clash on abortion, campaign finance in fiery final debate". InForum. October 11, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
55. Budryk, Zack (January 3, 2021). "Coalition of 7 conservative House Republicans says they won't challenge election results". The Hill. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
56. 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. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
57. Achterling, Michael (October 8, 2024). "Armstrong, Piepkorn differ on gun laws during second gubernatorial debate • North Dakota Monitor". North Dakota Monitor. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
58. "Habitat and Hunting Access Summit Recording Available". The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
59. "These are the 47 House Republicans who voted for a bill protecting marriage equality". Retrieved January 24, 2025.
60. "Port: Republican Congressman Armstrong says he'll vote to codify federal recognition of same-sex marriage". InForum. July 19, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
61. "Candidates clash over abortion, gun rights, transgender issues in 2nd North Dakota governor's debate". InForum. October 8, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
62. Achterling, Michael (October 4, 2024). "Armstrong opposes Measure 4 but says property tax reform should be priority • North Dakota Monitor". North Dakota Monitor. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
63. "Port: PAC affiliated with Kelly Armstrong comes out swinging against Measure 4". InForum. October 16, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
64. "Kjersti Armstrong — Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library". TRPresLibrary. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
65. "Wife of North Dakota congressman becomes a US citizen". Dickinson Press. September 14, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
66. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Behind-the-Candidate-Kelly-Armstrong-490869861.html
67. https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/governor-armstrong-swings-into-a-new-era-for-north-dakota-with-inaugural-ball/
68. Johnson, Cheryl L. (February 28, 2019). "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 6, 2018". Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
69. "Statewide Election Results". North Dakota Secretary of State. November 12, 2020.
70. "Official 2022 General Election Results". North Dakota Secretary of State. November 8, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
71. "2024 Republican Governor primary election Results". Associated Press News. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
72. "North Dakota Secretary of State". results.sos.nd.gov.

External links

• Congressman Kelly Armstrong official U.S. House website
• Kelly Armstrong for Congress official campaign site
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
• Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
• Profile at Vote Smart
• Profile at the North Dakota Legislature
• Appearances on C-SPAN

North Dakota Senate
Preceded by George Nodland	Member from the 36th district 2012–2018	Succeeded by Jay Elkin
Party political offices
Preceded by Robert Harms	Chair of the North Dakota Republican Party 2015–2018	Succeeded by Jim Poolman Acting
Preceded by Doug Burgum	Republican nominee for Governor of North Dakota 2024	Most recent
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Kevin Cramer	Member from North Dakota's at-large congressional district 2019–2024	Succeeded by Julie Fedorchak
Political offices
Preceded by Doug Burgum	Governor of North Dakota 2024–present	Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by JD Vance as Vice President	Order of precedence of the United States Within North Dakota	Succeeded by Mayor of city in which event is held
		Succeeded by Otherwise Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House
Preceded by Jared Polis as Governor of Colorado	Order of precedence of the United States Outside North Dakota	Succeeded by Larry Rhoden as Governor of South Dakota