Trump-backed Kelly Armstrong wins North Dakota GOP governor primary: AP

Burgum, who is considered to be on Trump's shortlist for vice president, announced that he was not seeking a third term in January, and endorsed his second-in-command to replace him in February.

By Misty Severi

Published: June 11, 2024 9:23pm

Former President Donald Trump's pick for the Republican nomination for North Dakota governor, Rep. Kelly Armstrong, is projected to win the primary, according to the Associated Press, defeating Gov. Doug Burgum's choice of Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller.

Burgum, who is considered to be on Trump's shortlist for vice president, announced that he was not seeking a third term in January, and endorsed his second-in-command to replace him in February.

Trump endorsed Armstrong, who has represented North Dakota as its sole representative in the House since 2019, last month. He has also secured the support of the North Dakota Republican Party.

“Congressman Kelly Armstong is running for Governor of North Dakota, a state that I love, and won big in 2016 and 2020," Trump said. "Kelly Armstrong has my complete and total endorsement to be the next Governor of the Great State of North Dakota.”

Armstrong will face state Sen. Merrill Piepkorn, who was uncontested in the Democratic primary, in November. But Republicans are expected to keep the governorship.