Biography

Kelly Michael Armstrong, born on October 8, 1976, in Dickinson, North Dakota, is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as the 34th Governor of North Dakota since December 15, 2024. A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented North Dakota's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2019 to 2024.

Raised in Dickinson, Armstrong developed a passion for the outdoors, spending summers on Lake Sakakawea and autumns bow hunting in the badlands. He graduated from Dickinson High School in 1995 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of North Dakota in 2001, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2003.

Armstrong is married to Kjersti, whom he met during law school. They have two children, Anna and Eli. Kjersti became a dual U.S. citizen in 2021.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Dakota
  • Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law

• Political Experience:

  • North Dakota State Senator for District 36
  • Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party
  • U.S. Representative for North Dakota's at-large congressional district
  • Governor of North Dakota

During his tenure in the state senate, Armstrong chaired multiple committees, including the Judiciary Committee, and was instrumental in DUI reform legislation and a $2 billion statewide infrastructure investment.

As chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party, he led the party to significant victories in the 2016 elections, including the presidential race and state legislative majorities.

In Congress, Armstrong served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government.

In the 2024 gubernatorial election, Armstrong won the Republican primary and subsequently the general election, defeating Democratic nominee Merrill Piepkorn with 68.3% of the vote.

Throughout his career, Armstrong has been committed to community service, including serving as a volunteer fireman, coaching youth sports, and supporting local organizations.