Kelly Armstrong secures GOP primary victory in the race to succeed Governor Burgum
Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) emerged victorious in the Republican primary to potentially succeed Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), who is being considered for vice president in Donald Trump’s reelection bid. Armstrong won over Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller in the primary, while on the Democratic side, Merrill Piepkorn ran uncontested. The Associated Press declared Armstrong the winner at 9:21 p.m. Eastern time with 67.5% of votes counted and 17% of precincts reporting.
Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) won the Republican primary to replace Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), who is a top vice presidential candidate for former president Donald Trump‘s reelection campaign.
Armstrong defeated Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller (R-ND) in the GOP primary while Democrat Merrill Piepkorn ran uncontested in the primary.
The Associated Press called the race for Armstrong at 9:21 p.m. Eastern time at 67.5%, with 17% of the votes counted.
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Armstrong was the heavy favorite in the GOP primary with a poll from the North Dakota News Cooperative, published last month, showing the congressman at 57% support.
Miller, endorsed by Burgum, garnered 19% support with 24% who said they were undecided.
Armstrong also had the backing of the state Republican Party, which had previously endorsed the North Dakota lawmaker at the state convention. Miller did not attend the convention.
Burgum announced earlier this year he would not seek a third term as governor. He has since catapulted in the race to join Trump’s ticket after his own presidential campaign fizzled out and he opted to become a top surrogate for the former president’s 2024 campaign.
North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer (R) passed on jumping into the GOP field to replace Burgum after the governor announced he wouldn’t run for reelection.
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Five Republicans are vying to win the GOP primary to replace Armstrong, the state’s lone congress member, in the 1st Congressional District. They include former foreign service officer Alexander Balazs, former state Rep. Rick Becker, Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak, Sharlet Mohr, and former Miss America Cara Mund.
Fedorchak led the field according to the NDNC poll at 32% followed by Becker who garnered 25%.
On the Democratic side, Trygve Hammer and Roland Riemers are vying for Armstrong’s seat, though both have little chance of winning in red-leaning North Dakota.
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