Former Border States CEO Tammy Miller Loses Bid For Governor

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong won Tuesday’s Republican primary for governor of North Dakota, while longtime public utilities regulator Julie Fedorchak finished first in a rambunctious GOP race for the House seat he will vacate. Each will be in a commanding position for the November general election in the conservative state. A Democrat has not won a statewide election in North Dakota since 2012, and the state has elected a Republican governor since 1992.

Armstrong, who currently occupies North Dakota’s lone House seat, beat Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller in the race to succeed Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, who did not seek a third term and is under consideration to be former President Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate.

“We’ve never taken anything for granted in this race. We never take our supporters for granted,” Armstrong said. “We never take North Dakota for granted, and we’re really excited, and we’re excited to move to the next step.” Armstrong won the primary with 73.8% of the vote.

This is Miller’s first run for office. She joined Governor Bergum’s administration as Chief Operating Officer for the state in April of 2020, and was appointed Lt. Governor in 2023 when Brent Sanford resigned. Miller served as CEO of Border States beginning in 2006, and increased revenue to nearly $2.5 billion a years. During her time at Border States, Miller was named a NAED Trailblazer Award winner (2013), NAED Arthur Hooper Award winner (2014), and was NAED’s Board Chair in 2007-2008.

“I want to congratulate Congressman Armstrong on his hard-fought campaign and victory,” Lt. Governor Tammy Miller said. “Throughout this campaign, I loved traveling our state, meeting with voters and listening to their suggestions and concerns. We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of supporters and grassroots conservatives who put their faith in us. I intend to run through the tape as Lt. Governor, continuing to do everything I can to help this great state thrive. Serving our state has been the honor of a lifetime and I continue to believe that North Dakota’s best days are ahead of us,” continued Miller.

“I’m endorsing Congressman Armstrong and encourage my supporters to get behind his campaign this fall.”