North Dakota’s lone congressman, Republican Kelly Armstrong, to be state’s next governor

Associated Press

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong has won the race to be North Dakota’s next governor. The state’s lone congressman has served three terms in the U.S. House and on Tuesday beat Democratic state Sen. Merrill Piepkorn and independent candidate Michael Coachman. Before his House tenure, Armstrong was a state senator and party chairman. The 48-year-old attorney is a supporter of former President Donald Trump. He will succeed outgoing GOP Gov. Doug Burgum, who did not seek a third term. Burgum was a finalist to be the Republican Trump’s vice-presidential running mate.  Armstrong becomes the first member of Congress in 52 years to be elected as the state’s governor.