2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election

For related races, see 2024 United States gubernatorial elections.

2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election
November 5, 2024
 
Nominee Kelly Armstrong Merrill Piepkorn Michael Coachman
Party Republican Democratic–NPL Independent
Running mate Michelle Strinden Patrick Hart Lydia Gessele
Popular vote 247,056 94,043 20,322
Percentage 68.26% 25.98% 5.61%
Armstrong:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Piepkorn:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
     No votes
Governor before election

Doug Burgum
Republican

Elected Governor

Kelly Armstrong
Republican

The 2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2024, to elect the governor of North Dakota. Incumbent Republican governor Doug Burgum decided to not seek re-election to a third term; he would ultimately decide to run for president. North Dakota is a Republican stronghold, and the Democratic–Nonpartisan League (NPL) Party has not won a governor's race in the state since 1988.

The Republican nominee, U.S. representative Kelly Armstrong, was elected to his first term, defeating the Democratic–NPL nominee, state senator Merrill Piepkorn in a landslide. Armstrong was sworn in to office in December 2024, succeeding Burgum, who was subsequently appointed Secretary of the Interior by Donald Trump following Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election.

Background

In November 2022, voters in the state approved a constitutional amendment limiting governors to two four-year terms, but it only applies to individuals elected after January 1, 2023, so incumbent governor Doug Burgum was still eligible to run for re-election under a grandfather clause.[1] On June 7, 2023, Burgum announced that he would instead run for the Republican nomination for president of the United States in 2024, a race he dropped out of on December 4, 2023. Despite considering running for a third term after the end of his presidential campaign, Burgum announced he would not run for a third term on January 22, 2024.[2]

Before Burgum's announcement, former state Senator and former congressional candidate Tom Campbell suggested at and considered a gubernatorial run, despite whatever choice Burgum made.[3][4] After the decision from Burgum to not seek re-election, Campbell entered the race.[5]

On January 23, the day after Burgum's announcement, U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong announced he would also seek the governorship, receiving far more reporting than Campbell and an endorsement from Secretary of State Michael Howe.[6][7][8][9] Following Armstrong's announcement, Campbell withdrew and switched his campaign towards the House seat left open by Armstrong.[10]

On January 31, Travis Hipsher, a security guard from Neche, announced he would seek the governorship for the Democratic-NPL.[11] Hipsher described himself as a centrist.[12]

Later on February 6, perennial candidate Michael Coachman announced an independent run for governor.[13] Coachman previously ran for governor in 2020, Lieutenant Governor in 2016 and 2012, and with Secretary of State in 2018.[14]

On February 15, Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller announced her candidacy to replace Burgum.[15]

Later on March 22, it was reported that state senator Merrill Piepkorn had filed the paperwork to run, but did not announce any campaign.[16] On March 31, Travis Hipsher ended his campaign, making way for Piepkorn's announcement on April 2.[17][18]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Eliminated in primary

Withdrawn

Declined

Endorsements

Kelly Armstrong

Federal officials

U.S. Senators

U.S. Representatives

Statewide officials

Organizations

Tammy Miller

Statewide officials

Debates

Prairie Public Broadcasting hosted a debate between Armstrong and Miller on April 23.[34] On May 2, it was announced that the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce would hold a live, in person debate on May 30.[35] A third debate was held on June 7.[36]

2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election Republican primary debate
No. Date Host Moderator Link Republican Republican
Key:
 P  Participant   A  Absent   N  Not invited   I  Invited  W  Withdrawn
Kelly Armstrong Tammy Miller
1 April 23, 2024 Prairie Public Broadcasting Dave Thompson YouTube P P
2 May 30, 2024 FMWF Chamber of Commerce P P

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size[a] 		Margin
of error 		Kelly
Armstrong 		Tammy
Miller 		Undecided
WPA Intelligence[37][A] May 20–22, 2024 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 57% 19% 24%
DFM Research (D)[38][B] May 6–8, 2024 400 (LV) ± 4.9% 56% 18% 26%
Guidant Polling and Strategy[39][C] May 4−8, 2024 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 60% 19% 19%

Results

Republican primary results[40]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Kelly Armstrong
Michelle Strinden 		67,704 73.2%
Republican Tammy Miller
Josh Teigen 		24,784 26.8%
Total votes 92,488 100.0%

Democratic-NPL Primary

Candidates

Nominee

Withdrawn

  • Travis Hipsher, security guard[42]

Endorsements

Merrill Piepkorn

Organizations

Results

Democratic–NPL primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic–NPL Merrill Piepkorn
Patrick Hart 		19,609 100.0%
Total votes 19,609 100.0%

Independent

Candidates

Declared

  • Michael Coachman, former Larimore city councilor and perennial candidate[44]
    • Running mate: Lydia Gessele, stay-at-home mom[45]

General election

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[46] Solid R June 13, 2024
Inside Elections[47] Solid R July 14, 2023
Sabato's Crystal Ball[48] Safe R June 4, 2024
RCP[49] Solid R July 13, 2024
Elections Daily[50] Safe R July 12, 2023
CNalysis[51] Solid R August 17, 2024

Post-primary endorsements

Kelly Armstrong (R)

Statewide officials

Debates

2024 North Dakota Gubernatorial debate
No. Date Host Moderator Link Democratic-NPL Republican Independent
Key:
 P  Participant   A  Absent   N  Not invited   I  Invited  W  Withdrawn
Merrill Piepkorn Kelly Armstrong Michael Coachman
1 September 6, 2024 Forum Communications Rob Port Podcasts P P N
2 October 8, 2024 KFGO News Paul Jurgens, Amy Dalrymple,
and Jim Shaw 		Omny P P N
3 October 10, 2024 Prairie Public Broadcasting Dave Thompson C-SPAN P P P
4 October 14, 2024 BEK TV Joel Heitkamp and Steve Bakken C-SPAN P P P

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size[a] 		Margin
of error 		Kelly
Armstrong (R) 		Merrill
Piepkorn (D) 		Michael
Coachman (I) 		Undecided
WPA Intelligence[53][A] September 28–30, 2024 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 54% 24% 3% 19%
Public Opinion Strategies[54][D] June 15–19, 2024 500 (LV) ± 4.38% 61% 22% 11% 6%

Results

2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election[55]
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

By county

County Kelly Armstrong
Republican 		Merrill Piepkorn
Democratic–NPL 		Michael Coachman
Independent 		All Others Margin Total
votes
# % # % # % # % # %
Adams 978 81.9% 162 13.6% 53 4.4% 1 0.1% 816 68.3% 1,194
Barnes 3,655 69.2% 1,417 26.8% 205 3.9% 7 0.1% 2,238 42.4% 5,284
Benson 1,135 58.6% 697 36.0% 103 5.3% 3 0.2% 438 22.6% 1,938
Billings 526 80.9% 85 13.1% 39 6.0% 0 0.0% 441 67.8% 650
Bottineau 2,585 75.5% 622 18.2% 216 6.3% 3 0.1% 1,963 57.3% 3,426
Bowman 1,387 85.7% 171 10.6% 60 3.7% 0 0.0% 1,216 75.1% 1,618
Burke 874 83.6% 115 11.0% 56 5.4% 0 0.0% 759 72.6% 1,045
Burleigh 36,496 71.0% 11,343 22.1% 3,492 6.8% 100 0.2% 25,153 48.9% 51,431
Cass 50,505 56.4% 34,903 39.0% 3,953 4.4% 140 0.2% 15,602 17.4% 89,501
Cavalier 1,491 75.6% 401 20.3% 78 4.0% 2 0.1% 1,090 55.3% 1,972
Dickey 1,802 74.6% 491 20.3% 123 5.1% 1 0.01% 1,311 54.3% 2,417
Divide 894 75.3% 226 19.0% 67 5.6% 0 0.0% 668 56.3% 1,187
Dunn 1,806 81.5% 276 12.4% 131 5.9% 4 0.2% 1,530 69.1% 2,217
Eddy 856 71.0% 280 23.2% 68 5.6% 1 0.1% 576 47.8% 1,205
Emmons 1,582 83.4% 183 9.6% 130 6.8% 3 0.2% 1,399 73.8% 1,898
Foster 1,330 78.6% 291 17.2% 71 4.2% 0 0.0% 1,039 61.4% 1,692
Golden Valley 825 84.5% 101 10.3% 50 5.1% 0 0.0% 724 74.2% 976
Grand Forks 19,016 62.0% 10,153 33.1% 1,455 4.7% 32 0.1% 8,863 28.9% 30,656
Grant 1,045 80.1% 165 12.7% 91 7.0% 3 0.2% 880 67.4% 1,304
Griggs 977 76.5% 259 20.3% 41 3.2% 0 0.0% 718 56.2% 1,277
Hettinger 1,057 82.6% 138 10.8% 84 6.6% 0 0.0% 919 71.8% 1,279
Kidder 1,085 78.7% 188 13.6% 105 7.6% 0 0.0% 897 65.1% 1,378
LaMoure 1,619 76.5% 393 18.6% 103 4.9% 1 0.01% 1,226 67.9% 2,116
Logan 855 83.1% 107 10.4% 64 6.2% 3 0.3% 748 72.7% 1,029
McHenry 2,102 77.1% 435 16.0% 184 6.7% 6 0.2% 1,667 61.1% 2,727
McIntosh 1,087 78.8% 229 16.6% 62 4.5% 2 0.1% 858 62.2% 1,380
McKenzie 4,473 82.7% 634 11.7% 290 5.4% 13 0.2% 3,839 71.0% 5,410
McLean 4,094 76.2% 943 17.5% 334 6.2% 4 0.1% 3,151 68.7% 5,375
Mercer 3,625 80.3% 609 13.5% 272 6.0% 6 0.1% 3,016 66.8% 4,512
Morton 12,297 74.0% 3,141 18.9% 1,152 6.9% 27 0.2% 9,156 65.1% 16,617
Mountrail 2,759 68.6% 1,014 25.2% 248 6.2% 2 0.01% 1,745 43.4% 4,023
Nelson 1,159 66.6% 513 29.5% 67 3.8% 2 0.1% 646 37.1% 1,741
Oliver 866 81.1% 132 12.4% 70 6.6% 0 0.0% 734 68.7% 1,068
Pembina 2,387 77.3% 609 19.7% 90 2.9% 3 0.1% 1,778 57.6% 3,089
Pierce 1,477 75.4% 362 18.5% 117 6.0% 3 0.2% 1,115 56.9% 1,959
Ramsey 3,671 70.9% 1,198 23.1% 303 5.9% 7 0.1% 2,473 47.8% 5,179
Ransom 1,699 64.8% 798 30.4% 123 4.7% 1 0.01% 901 38.4% 2,621
Renville 969 80.6% 153 12.7% 80 6.7% 0 0.0% 816 67.9% 1,202
Richland 5,710 69.9% 2,093 25.6% 356 4.4% 4 0.01% 3,617 44.3% 8,163
Rolette 1,548 38.9% 2,244 56.3% 186 4.7% 5 0.1% -696 -17.4% 3,983
Sargent 1,310 64.9% 604 29.9% 104 5.2% 0 0.0% 706 35.0% 2,018
Sheridan 576 77.2% 94 12.6% 75 10.1% 1 0.1% 482 64.6% 746
Sioux 312 33.1% 545 57.9% 84 8.9% 1 0.1% -233 -24.8% 942
Slope 340 87.0% 28 7.2% 23 5.9% 0 0.0% 312 79.8% 391
Stark 12,056 81.3% 1,792 12.1% 960 6.5% 21 0.1% 10,264 69.2% 14,829
Steele 627 62.6% 321 32.1% 52 5.2% 1 0.1% 306 30.5% 1,001
Stutsman 7,009 71.9% 2,158 22.1% 574 5.9% 10 0.1% 4,851 49.8% 9,751
Towner 804 72.6% 244 22.0% 58 5.2% 1 0.1% 560 50.6% 1,107
Traill 2,721 66.9% 1,160 28.5% 176 4.3% 8 0.2% 1,561 38.4% 4,065
Walsh 3,305 73.7% 975 21.8% 190 4.2% 12 0.3% 2,330 51.9% 4,482
Ward 20,361 72.7% 5,716 20.4% 1,877 6.7% 56 0.2% 14,645 52.3% 28,010
Wells 1,662 74.8% 330 14.8% 230 10.3% 1 0.01% 1,332 60.0% 2,223
Williams 11,669 79.7% 1,802 12.3% 1,147 7.8% 29 0.2% 9,867 67.4% 14,647
Totals 247,056 68.3% 94,043 26.0% 20,322 5.6% 530 0.1% 152,013 42.3% 361,951

Notes

  1. ^ a b Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear

Partisan clients

  1. ^ a b This poll was sponsored by the North Dakota News Cooperative
  2. ^ This poll was sponsored by North Dakota United, a union for teachers and public sector workers
  3. ^ This poll was sponsored by Armstrong's campaign
  4. ^ Poll sponsored by Brighter Future Alliance

References

  1. ^ MacPherson, James (November 8, 2022). "North Dakota voters OK term limits for governor, legislators". Associated Press News. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  2. ^ a b Dura, Jack (January 22, 2024). "His presidential bid over, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum says he won't seek a third term as governor". The Associated Press. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  3. ^ Thaden, Geoff (January 4, 2024). "Tom Campbell Poised to Enter Governor's Race Regardless of Doug Burgum's Decision on Reelection". WDAY (AM). Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  4. ^ Port, Rob (December 15, 2023). "Port: Former state Sen. Tom Campbell sounds like he's ready to be governor". The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. Retrieved January 26, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  5. ^ a b Larson, Chris (January 21, 2024). "Former State Senator Tom Campbell to run for Governor". WDAY. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  6. ^ "Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota's lone congressman, runs for governor". January 23, 2024.
  7. ^ "Armstrong announces run for ND governor". January 23, 2024.
  8. ^ Nazzaro, Miranda (January 23, 2024). "North Dakota lawmaker running for governor". The Hill.
  9. ^ "North Dakota governor candidates emerge as Burgum bows out". January 22, 2024.
  10. ^ "Tom Campbell announces bid for North Dakota's US House seat". January 26, 2024.
  11. ^ "Democrat Travis Hipsher discusses run for ND governor". February 2024.
  12. ^ "ND dem NPL Gubernatorial candidate Hipsher: This is "opportunity to push my ideas"". February 2, 2024.
  13. ^ "Independent candidate Michael Coachman discusses bid for ND governor". KFYR-TV. February 11, 2024.
  14. ^ "Former candidate who tried to recall Gov. Burgum runs again for North Dakota governor". Associated Press. February 6, 2024.
  15. ^ "Lt. Governor Tammy Miller announces run for ND governor". KFYR-TV. February 15, 2024.
  16. ^ Skurzewski, Joe (March 23, 2024). "Fargo Democrat Piepkorn files paperwork for gubernatorial bid; does not officially confirm campaign". Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  17. ^ Gick, Justin (March 31, 2024). "Democrat Travis Hipsher withdraws from the North Dakota gubernatorial race". KFYR-TV. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  18. ^ Gick, Justin (April 2, 2024). "Democrat Merrill Piepkorn enters North Dakota's governor's race". KFYR-TV. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  19. ^ "Armstrong announces run for ND Governor". KFYR-TV. January 23, 2024. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  20. ^ a b Janke, Ryan. "N.D. Republican, Democratic parties endorse candidates for governor". KFGO. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  21. ^ Monk, Jim (February 15, 2024). "Lt. Governor Tammy Miller joins race for North Dakota governor". KVRR.
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  25. ^ a b Gick, Justin (February 21, 2024). "Burgum endorses Tammy Miller for ND governor". KFYR-TV. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  26. ^ a b Gick, Justin (April 3, 2024). "Cramer endorses Armstrong for governor". KFYR-TV. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  27. ^ Adragna, Anthony (January 23, 2024). "Kevin Cramer won't run for North Dakota governor". Politico. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  28. ^ Larson, Chris (January 29, 2024). "Fedorchak will not run for Governor in 2024". WDAY. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  29. ^ Fulton, Jacob (February 15, 2024). "North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak to run for US House". The Bismarck Tribune. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  30. ^ Springer, Patrick (January 22, 2024). "Doug Burgum will not seek 3rd term; Lt. Gov. Miller expresses interest as AG Wrigley declines". The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.
  31. ^ Port, Rob (May 30, 2024). "Port: Trump endorses Armstrong, Fedorchak in North Dakota's Republican primaries". Jamestown Sun. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  32. ^ Gick, Justin (April 2, 2024). "Hoeven endorses Armstrong for governor". KFYR-TV. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  33. ^ "Kelly Armstrong, Michelle Strinden endorsed for Gov., Lt. Gov". April 6, 2024.
  34. ^ "North Dakota Republican candidates headed into first debate for governor's race". InForum. April 22, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  35. ^ "FMWF Chamber announces live Gubernatorial debate between Kelly Armstrong and Tammy Miller". WDAY Radio. May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  36. ^ Downs, Michael (June 7, 2024). "North Dakota Gubernatorial Republican Primary Debate | 6-7-24". WDAY. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  37. ^ WPA Intelligence
  38. ^ DFM Research (D)
  39. ^ Guidant Polling and Strategy
  40. ^ "2024 North Dakota Election Results". Associated Press News.
  41. ^ Hjelmstad, Gretchen (April 2, 2024). "Merrill Piepkorn launches campaign for Governor of North Dakota". KVLY-TV. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  42. ^ Gick, Justin (March 31, 2024). "Democrat Travis Hipsher withdraws from the North Dakota gubernatorial race". KFYR-TV. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  43. ^ "North Dakota Democrats endorse Merrill Piepkorn, Patrick Hart as Governor, Lieutenant Governor candidates".
  44. ^ "Former candidate who tried to recall Gov. Burgum runs again for North Dakota governor". KFYR-TV. February 7, 2024.
  45. ^ "Trump rally scheduled June 15 at North Dakota Capitol, but former president not expected". May 23, 2024.
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  53. ^ WPA Intelligence
  54. ^ Public Opinion Strategies
  55. ^ "North Dakota Secretary of State".

Official campaign websites

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