Gov. Burgum Backs His Lt. Gov. in Race for Governor

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Gov. Doug Burgum is throwing his support behind Tammy Miller for governor.

It’s probably no surprise since he handpicked Miller to become lieutenant governor in January 2023 when Brent Sanford left the office for the private sector.

Miller is competing with Rep. Kelly Armstrong in what is likely to be a fierce battle for the GOP nomination for governor.

Republicans will endorse candidates for statewide offices at its convention in April in Fargo, but voters choose the nominees in the June primary.

Miller said she will skip the convention and run in the primary.

In 2016, Burgum lost the Republican endorsement to Wayne Stenehjem but two months later won the primary to become the nominee.

Democrat Travis Hipsher and independent Michael Coachman are also running for governor.