Lt. Governor Tammy Miller discusses run for governor; Armstrong responds

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Lt. Governor Tammy Miller is now a candidate for Governor of North Dakota after making her announcement on Thursday. There’s been a lot of speculation about this run. Lt. Governor Miller, R-North Dakota, said she is looking to continue with some Burgum administration policy issues.

Miller has served as North Dakota’s 39th Lt. Governor since 2022 after taking over for then Lt. Governor Brent Sanford when he left office. Prior to that, she served as Chief Operating Officer in the Governor’s office. Before entering public service, she worked in the private sector at Border States Electric.

“Worked there for a number of years and then became the CEO. I was the CEO for 14 years and during that time, grew the company dramatically,” said Miller.

Miller said she thought now was the right time to run for Governor as she has worked with Governor Burgum for many years and sees the great momentum they have going in the state from growing the economy to the progress they’ve made on eliminating income tax.

“I want to take the state to the next level, and I think being Governor is a great way to do that, and I think being a business leader makes me well qualified for the job,” said Miller.

Miller enters an already growing field as she faces Democrat Travis Hipsher, Independent Michael Coachman and Republican Kelly Armstrong. Miller said there is plenty of time to talk about the differences between her and Armstrong.

For his part, Armstrong said: “In my time in office, I have devoted myself to defending the interests of North Dakotans, including our property rights, energy resources, borders, liberties, innocent lives and the 2nd Amendment. I am proud to compare my conservative record with that of any Republican or Democrat opponent.”

As far as her platform, Miller is running on an extensive list of issues. However, there are two that are most important to her.

“Continue to diversify the economy, and let’s push back on the regulations that are coming out of the Biden Administration,” said Miller.

Since she has worked with Governor Burgum, the question becomes whether he will endorse her. Burgum is also close friends with Kelly Armstrong.

“I have had lots of conversations with the governor; he has provided lots of good advice. I haven’t asked him for an endorsement, but I would be elated if I got an endorsement from Governor Burgum,” said Miller.

If she is elected, she said she’ll be ready on day one.

“I would certainly hit the ground running because I have worked in the Governor’s office for four years. I know all of the state agencies, all of the leadership,” said Miller.

Miller said her next step is to travel the state, meeting with as many North Dakotans as possible.

Miller said one thing that many voters wouldn’t know about her is her small-town roots as she grew up in a community of 34 people. She said she believes in strong family values, giving back to her community and hard work.

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