North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and his campaign fund have contributed approximately $430,000 to Republican statewide and legislative candidates this year, according to recent campaign finance reports filed with the secretary of state. More than one-quarter of this total supported one state officeholder whom Armstrong appointed last year. These contributions became public following the Friday deadline for candidates to submit their pre-general election financial reports.
Monetary and in-kind support from Armstrong and his campaign coffers reached $430,473 this year, with $140,000 of that sum provided since the June primary election. The in-kind contributions were specifically for Armstrong's endorsement videos and associated film costs during the primary, as stated by the governor. Among the recipients are over two dozen legislative candidates, both incumbents and newcomers across the state, with some individual donations reaching as much as $10,000. Public Service Commissioner Jill Kringstad received the largest share, totaling over $125,000 in monetary and in-kind support, which included a single $90,000 monetary donation made shortly after the June primary. State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier received a $25,000 donation and an additional $5,450 in in-kind support.
Gov. Armstrong said in a statement this week that his endorsed candidates are "focused on results-driven policies for our state." He further stated in an emailed response that he is "proud to support these candidates" who aim to lower property taxes, grow the state's economy, and reduce government spending. Armstrong clarified in May that these funds come from campaign contributions raised "from a lot of North Dakotans," not from his personal wealth. He affirmed his commitment to supporting a broad range of candidates, including those without competitive primaries, to elect Republicans this November.
The donations have drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers and candidates, who earlier this year described Armstrong's contributions as unlawful and improper influence. Sen. Jeff Magrum, a Republican from Hazelton, specifically stated that the donations violate the state constitution, asserting that the governor could then command votes to defeat bills he opposes. Similar criticisms were previously directed at former Gov. Doug Burgum's campaign spending during the 2020 and 2022 GOP primaries.
However, attorney and former state GOP chair Bob Harms countered these claims, stating there is nothing in the constitution or state law to prohibit an elected official from participating in the political process through PAC contributions or personal money. Mark Jendrysik, a professor of political science and public administration at the University of North Dakota, described the governor's actions as a rational strategy to increase legislative support for his agenda.
Kringstad and Bachmeier, two of the significant recipients of Armstrong's support, were both appointed to their current positions by the governor last year and must win in November to continue serving. Armstrong explained his strong support for Kringstad, stating he "appointed Jill" and that she "is doing a great job." Other statewide officeholders receiving Armstrong's backing include Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, Secretary of State Michael Howe, and Public Service Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Hoffart.
While Armstrong's contributions are less than the millions spent by former Gov. Burgum, Jendrysik noted that $430,000 can be a substantial sum in North Dakota's political landscape. This level of funding could be "very effective" in legislative races, enabling more mailers, signs, and general campaign assistance, potentially helping candidates run more visible and successful campaigns. This fall, 75 of the 141 seats in the Legislature are on the ballot. Currently, Republicans hold a significant majority, with 83-11 in the House and 42-5 in the Senate.
Four candidates supported by Governor Armstrong are presently involved in a North Dakota Supreme Court case challenging their eligibility, with challengers alleging incomplete petition information was allowed to be corrected by the secretary of state’s office while other candidates were rejected. Absentee voting began in North Dakota in late September, with more than 8,300 ballots already cast as of Wednesday morning. Given North Dakota's Republican dominance, Jendrysik suggested that general election surprises are unlikely. Instead, he identified the "factional division inside the Republicans" as the most critical aspect, indicating the governor's efforts are likely aimed at solidifying support for his specific agenda within the party.
