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 a third term and ran for president. North Dakota is a Republican stronghold, and the Democratic–Nonpartisan League (NPL) Party has not won a gubernatorial 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. 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.
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. After the decision from Burgum to not seek re-election, Campbell entered the race.
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. Following Armstrong's announcement, Campbell withdrew and switched his campaign towards the House seat left open by Armstrong.
On January 31, Travis Hipsher, a security guard from Neche, announced he would seek the governorship for the Democratic-NPL. Hipsher described himself as a centrist.
Later on February 6, perennial candidate Michael Coachman announced an independent run for governor. Coachman previously ran for governor in 2020, Lieutenant Governor in 2016 and 2012, and with Secretary of State in 2018.
On February 15, Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller announced her candidacy to replace Burgum.
Later on March 22, it was reported that state senator Merrill Piepkorn had filed the paperwork to run, but did not announce any campaign. On March 31, Travis Hipsher ended his campaign, making way for Piepkorn's announcement on April 2.
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Kelly Armstrong, U.S. Representative from North Dakota's at-large congressional district (2019–2024)
- Running Mate: Michelle Strinden, state representative for the 41st district (2019–2024)
Eliminated in primary
- Tammy Miller, Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota (2023–2024)
- Running Mate: Josh Teigen, commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce (2022–2024)
Withdrawn
- Tom Campbell, former state senator from the 19th district (2012–2018) and candidate for North Dakota's at-large congressional district in 2018 (ran for U.S. House)
Declined
- Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction (2013–2025) (ran for re-election)
- Thomas Beadle, North Dakota State Treasurer (2021–present) (ran for re-election)
- Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota (2016–2024) (endorsed Miller)
- Kevin Cramer, U.S. Senator (2018–present) (endorsed Armstrong, ran for re-election)
- Julie Fedorchak, member of the North Dakota Public Service Commission (2012–2025) (ran for U.S. House)
- Michael Howe, North Dakota Secretary of State (2023–present) (endorsed Armstrong)
- Drew Wrigley, North Dakota Attorney General (2022–present)
Endorsements
Kelly Armstrong
Tammy Miller
Debates
Prairie Public Broadcasting hosted a debate between Armstrong and Miller on April 23. 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. A third debate was held on June 7.
Democratic-NPL Primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Merrill Piepkorn, state senator for the 44th district (2016–2024)
- Running mate: Patrick Hart, treasurer of the North Dakota Democratic-Nonpartisan League Party and nominee for state auditor in 2020
Withdrawn
- Travis Hipsher, security guard
Endorsements
Merrill Piepkorn
Independent
Candidates
Declared
- Michael Coachman, former Larimore city councilor and perennial candidate
- Running mate: Lydia Gessele, stay-at-home mom
General election
Post-primary endorsements
Kelly Armstrong (R)
Merrill Piepkorn