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Kelly Armstrong
61.7%
#4 of 50

Kelly Armstrong

North Dakota R | 1st term
2024-12-15Took Office 1 yr, 6 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 1020 / 1653Total Points
⚠️ Inherited Performance Notice

Kelly Armstrong has been in office 16 months. Section A (Governance) and Section B (State Outcomes) scores largely reflect the prior administration of Doug Burgum (R), who served 2016-2024. Section C (Oath Fidelity) reflects Armstrong's own executive actions, vetoes, and policy positions since taking office.

In office 16 months. Section A (Governance) and Section B (State Outcomes) scores largely reflect the prior administration of Doug Burgum (R), who served as governor immediately before Armstrong. Section C (Oath Fidelity) reflects Armstrong's own executive actions, vetoes, and policy positions since taking office. Click to expand each section for full item-level scores, evidence, and source citations.

Current: Kelly Armstrong (R)
Took office: 2024-12-15
In office: 16 months
Predecessor: Doug Burgum (R)
Served: 2016-2024
Same party continuity

Section A: Governance

236/300
79%

Section B: State Outcomes

614/975
63%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+170 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 236/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Executive budget for 2025-27 biennium ($19.89B total, $6.6B general fund) submitted on time January 15, 2025. • State of the State address delivered January 7, 2025 • Key allocations: $483.4M property tax relief, $464M construction bonding, $44.3M Education Savings Accounts, $105M housing
ND OMB Executive Budget Recommendations Jan 2025; ND Governor's Office State of the State Address; ND Legislative Assembly 69th Session Records
2
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
Oil tax revenue projections roughly on track despite lower prices. • Projected $4.9B for 2025-27, ~$828M less than prior biennium revised estimates • Budget assumes $62/barrel in 2026 and $60/barrel in 2027 • ND producing ~1.17M barrels/day in late 2025, slightly above forecast • Revised revenue forecast in March 2025 confirmed numbers support property tax relief and other priorities
ND Legislative Council Revenue Reports; ND Tax Department Oil Tax Projections; ND OMB Revenue Forecast March 2025
2
Rainy day fund management
Exceptionally strong reserve position across all funds. • Inherited $1.3B general fund surplus • Legacy Fund now at $12B (up from $10.5B) • Budget Stabilization Fund balance $914.4M as of June 30, 2025 • Property tax plan uses Legacy Fund earnings ($173M next biennium) — not principal — a sustainable structural approach • Moody's June 2025 report cited substantial reserves as key credit strength
ND State Treasurer Fund Balances; ND Legacy Fund Reports; Moody's Ratings June 2025 Credit Report; ND OMB Budget Stabilization Fund Data
2
State credit rating trajectory
Moody's reaffirmed ND at Aa1 stable in June 2025 — second-highest level. • Cited substantial reserves ($914M stabilization fund, $12B Legacy Fund), low debt, and responsible budget management • Noted concern about oil/gas revenue reliance (18% of GDP from mining/extraction) and Bank of North Dakota liabilities • Overall fiscal position remains very strong
Moody's Ratings June 2025 North Dakota Credit Report; S&P Global Ratings; ND OMB Financial Reports
2
Pension funding ratio trajectory
Significant structural pension reform underway. • NDPERS main defined benefit plan is 68.3% funded with $1.9B unfunded liability, projected fully funded by 2056 • Legislature injected $200M into NDPERS to address shortfall • New Tier 3 defined contribution plan launched January 2025 for new state employees, closing traditional DB plan to new hires • Armstrong supported these pension reforms in his budget
NDPERS Actuarial Valuation Reports; ND Retirement and Investment Office 2025 Annual Report; ND Legislative Assembly SB 2345 Records
2
Debt per capita trajectory
Low debt relative to reserves — among lowest debt-to-GDP ratios nationally. • State and local government debt approximately $3.93B in FY2025 • 2025-27 budget includes $464M in construction bonding for capital projects, a measured increase • Oil tax revenues ($4.9B projected) and $12B Legacy Fund substantially reduce borrowing needs • Moody's Aa1 rating reflects low debt levels as key credit factor
ND State Treasurer Debt Reports; Statista State/Local Debt Data FY2025; Moody's June 2025 Credit Report; Census State Government Finances
2
CAFR/ACFR published on time
FY2024 ACFR published on time per ND OMB and State Auditor's Office schedule. • ND OMB maintains Financial Transparency portal with ACFR documents publicly accessible • FY2025 ACFR will be the first fully under Armstrong's administration — due in late 2025 • State Auditor's 2025 audit schedule published and on track
ND State Auditor ACFR Records; ND OMB Financial Transparency Portal; ND State Auditor 2025 Audit Schedule
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
No new material weaknesses identified under Armstrong's tenure. • State Auditor directed to provide performance audit of ND Development Fund (July 2019 – July 2024) by September 30, 2026 • Audit findings flagged concerns about prior administration Department of Commerce Development Fund self-dealing and preferential write-offs • Armstrong appointed new Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken to address concerns
ND State Auditor Reports; SB 2396 (69th Assembly); ND Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee
2
Federal grant fund accounting
Effective federal fund management with innovative intergovernmental coordination. • ND received $1.9B in IIJA highway funding over 5 years plus water infrastructure and broadband allocations • Federal grant accounting under State Auditor's single audit process functioning at standard levels • During federal shutdown: directed $1.5M in state funds for SNAP, arranged Bank of ND loans for 9,200 federal workers
ND State Auditor Single Audit Reports; USASpending.gov — North Dakota; IIJA State Allocation Data
3
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
Standard anti-fraud controls maintained; prior-period fraud concerns being addressed. • State Auditor performance audit of ND Development Fund underway examining July 2019 – July 2024 for potential self-dealing • Armstrong hired new Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken from South Dakota to reform operations • Standard controls on SNAP ($56,000+ recipients), Medicaid, and other federal programs maintained • SAVE system used for immigration status verification on public benefits
ND State Auditor Reports; ND DHS Program Integrity; Federal Agency State Reviews — North Dakota
2
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Revenue diversification limited, but property tax reform sustainably funded. • Oil tax revenues projected at $4.9B for 2025-27, down $828M from prior biennium due to lower prices ($62/barrel forecast) • Legislature approved final $20.3B budget • 18% of GDP from mining/extraction per Moody's — key risk • Property tax plan funded from Legacy Fund earnings rather than volatile oil revenue • Income tax threshold ($44K) and no corporate income tax provide broad tax base
ND Legislative Council Fiscal Reports; ND Tax Department Revenue Projections; Moody's June 2025 Credit Analysis; ND Monitor Legislative Budget Reporting
2
Capital budget execution rate
2025-27 budget includes $464M in construction bonding across multiple priority areas. • $16.1M to staff Grand Forks County Correctional Center expansion (90 beds by July 2025) • $9.3M for temporary housing at Missouri River Correctional Center (88 beds by July 2026) • NDDOT 2025 construction program: 57 miles roadway reconstruction, 397 miles preventative maintenance • $2.7B in transportation investments planned over 4 years via STIP
ND OMB Capital Budget; NDDOT 2025 Construction Program; NDDOT STIP 2025-2028
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
Standard procurement maintained with notable public-private leveraging. • NDDOT awarded 103 local projects totaling $119M via Flexible Transportation Fund grants — competitive selection process • $50M new Commerce housing program uses public-private partnership requiring local and private sector matches ($150M total leveraged) • State Auditor performance audit examining prior vendor/contractor issues under Commerce
ND Procurement Office; NDDOT Flex Fund Awards 2025; ND Commerce Department Housing Program; ND State Auditor Development Fund Audit
2
Federal funding maximization
Strong federal funding capture with innovative shutdown response. • ND receiving $1.9B in IIJA highway funding over 5 years • Federal shutdown response: directed $915K to Great Plains Food Bank (450,000 lbs of food for ~24,000 households), $550-600K to WIC • Industrial Commission approved Bank of ND low-interest loans for ~9,200 furloughed federal workers • Total federal spending in ND approximately $7B+ annually (agricultural, military, energy)
USASpending.gov — North Dakota FY2025; Governor's Office Shutdown Response Oct-Nov 2025; IIJA State Allocation Data; ND Industrial Commission Records
3
Program eligibility verification systems
Comprehensive eligibility verification with no expansion to undocumented populations. • SAVE system used for immigration status verification on public benefits • E-Verify required for all state agency hiring • ~56,000 SNAP recipients and ~100,000 Medicaid beneficiaries actively managed • HB 1549 signed to streamline Medicaid access for people exiting prison, improving continuity of coverage • No expansion of benefits to undocumented populations
ND DHS Program Integrity; DHS SAVE Program Data; ND HB 1549 (2025); ND HHS Medicaid/SNAP Enrollment Data
2
Signature legislation enacted
Exceptional first-session record — signed 597 bills into law. • HB 1176 passed 86-4 (House) and 46-0 (Senate) — triples primary residence property tax credit from $500 to $1,600/year, $409M in relief funded from $12B Legacy Fund earnings • HB 1114 caps insulin out-of-pocket at $25/month • HB 1473 expands 340B drug pricing access for rural hospitals • Cell phone ban in K-12 schools • SB 2241 establishes first public charter school framework in ND • SB 2308 creates boards/commissions task force to shrink government • SB 2345 provides 4%/year state employee pay raises
ND Legislative Assembly 69th Session Bill Tracking; Governor's Office Press Releases May 2025; ND Monitor Legislative Session Reporting
3
Veto override rate
Zero veto overrides — disciplined use of veto power. • Vetoed 4 bills in full: state employee health insurance, library content, private school voucher HB 1540, prison industries tax credits • Issued 7 line-item partial vetoes across 6 bills • Vetoed ESA bill as too narrow — said it 'falls far short of truly expanding choice as it only impacts one sector' • Legislature did not attempt overrides despite some disagreement
ND Legislative Assembly Journal 69th Session; Governor's Office Veto Messages May 2025; ND Monitor Veto Coverage
2
Bipartisan bills signed
Bipartisan dynamics limited by ND's heavy R-supermajority (82R-12D House, 43R-4D Senate), but notable cross-party gestures. • Insulin cap (HB 1114), cell phone ban, and property tax relief (HB 1176 passed 86-4/46-0) had near-unanimous support • Appointed Democrat Corey Mock as CIO — a notable cross-party gesture • As congressman, voted for bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act (2022) and refused to challenge 2020 election results
ND Legislative Assembly Vote Records 69th Session; Governor's Office Cabinet Appointments; GovTrack.us Armstrong Voting Record
2
Special sessions called
No special sessions called — governance efficiency maintained. • Regular 69th Legislative Assembly session ran January 7 – May 3, 2025 (standard biennial session) • Armstrong signed 597 bills during this period • ND Legislative Council advised a special session might be 'prudent remedy' for a veto procedural error, but Armstrong and lawmakers resolved without one
ND Legislative Assembly 69th Session Records; ND Legislative Council Veto Advisory June 2025
2
Executive orders — legal challenges
No executive orders challenged in court — all within clear gubernatorial authority. • Dissolved 5 inactive task forces (government efficiency) • Established Interagency Council on Homelessness (chaired by Housing Finance Agency Director Brandon Dettlaff) • Waived hours-of-service requirements for propane/agricultural haulers • Declared disaster for June 2025 tornado damage • HB 1473 (340B drug pricing) faced pharmaceutical lawsuits — but that was legislation, not an EO
ND Governor's Office Executive Orders; Court Records; ND Monitor Reporting 2025
2
Line-item veto usage
Disciplined use of line-item veto power to protect executive authority. • Exercised 7 line-item partial vetoes across 6 appropriation bills • Vetoed a lawmaker 'immunity' provision that would have shielded legislators from criminal prosecution for official acts • Also vetoed spending provisions to protect the budgeting process • AG confirmed Armstrong's veto was 'clear and unambiguous' when procedural questions arose
ND Constitution Art. V; Governor's Veto Messages May 2025; ND AG Opinion on Veto Validity June 2025; ND Monitor Line-Item Veto Coverage
3
Regulatory burden change
Government efficiency measures initiated, with board/commission review pending. • Signed EO dissolving 5 inactive task forces/councils • SB 2308 creates task force to review all 150+ state boards and commissions — report due October 2026 • Armstrong personally testified in support of the board review bill • Property tax reform simplifies homeowner burden with single $1,600 credit • 3% annual cap on local property tax increases provides predictability • Business-friendly oil/gas regulatory environment maintained
ND Administrative Code Records; SB 2308 (69th Assembly); Governor's EO on Inactive Task Forces; ND Monitor Board Review Reporting March 2026
2
Budget negotiation success
Final budget close to Armstrong's proposal despite tighter fiscal conditions. • Proposed $19.89B executive budget; legislature approved $20.3B • Property tax package ($409M) passed near-unanimously (86-4/46-0) • Got 4%/year employee raises vs. his proposed 3% • Legislature declined some housing/workforce proposals — Armstrong acknowledged missed opportunity but accepted outcome • Lower oil prices mean 'less available than prior biennium'
ND Legislative Assembly 69th Session Budget Records; ND OMB Executive Budget Jan 2025; ND Monitor Budget Coverage May 2025
2
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
99.3% signing rate — signed 597 of 601 bills sent by legislature. • HB 1176 (property tax relief, $409M) passed 86-4/46-0 • HB 1114 (insulin $25 cap) broadly popular • Cell phone school ban supported by parents and educators • SB 2241 (charter schools) addressed parental choice demands • Criminal justice reform bills (HB 1549, HB 1417) supported recovery/reentry • Vetoed only 4 bills — none reversed popular legislation
ND Legislative Assembly 69th Session Records; Governor's Office Bill Signing Records May 2025
3
Legislative relationship
Strong working relationship with R-supermajority legislature, built on deep legislative experience. • Former US Congressman (2019-2024) and ND State Senator (2012-2018) • Signed 597 bills, vetoed only 4 in full • Personally testified on government efficiency bill SB 2308 • Some friction over ESA bill veto and lawmaker immunity provision veto, but no overrides attempted • Session described as productive
ND Legislative Assembly 69th Session Records; Governor's Office Legislative Relations; ND Monitor Session Reporting
2
Implementation of voter-approved measures
ND is unique — no voter registration system (only state without one), so voter-approved ballot measures are relatively limited. • Property tax relief was Armstrong's central campaign pledge and delivered via HB 1176 ($1,600 credit) • Cell phone school ban also a campaign commitment • No citizen-initiated measures pending from 2024 ballot requiring gubernatorial implementation
ND Secretary of State Ballot Measure Records; Governor's Office Campaign Promise Tracking
2
Task force follow-through
Rapid follow-through on multiple fronts. • SB 2201 (expanding property tax credit eligibility) was first bill signed in session — signed February 18, 2025 • Full property tax package (HB 1176) signed May 2025 • EO dissolving 5 inactive task forces delivered on government efficiency pledge • Interagency Council on Homelessness established via EO • Created new Commissioner of Recovery and Re-Entry cabinet position (Jonathan Holth appointed) • Federal shutdown response executed within days of SNAP funding threat
Governor's Office Records; ND Industrial Commission; ND State Tax Commissioner SB 2201 Records Feb 2025
2
Policy reversals under pressure
No major policy reversals — consistent on core priorities throughout first year. • Maintained positions on property tax relief, energy development, and government efficiency • Vetoed ESA bill despite conservative pressure — held firm that it was too narrow (earned criticism from Daily Signal/Heritage but maintained position) • Did not waver on 340B drug pricing law (HB 1473) despite pharmaceutical industry lobbying and subsequent lawsuits from AbbVie, AstraZeneca, and PhRMA
Governor's Office Policy Records; Daily Signal School Choice Coverage; ND Monitor HB 1473 Litigation Coverage
2
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No criminal or ethics issues with any appointees. Key appointments: • Jill Kringstad to Public Service Commission vacancy (career PSC staffer) • Joe Morrissette as OMB Director (30 years state budget experience) • Chris Schilken as Commerce Commissioner (led South Dakota economic development — 200+ projects, $billions in investment, 10,000+ jobs) • Corey Mock as CIO (bipartisan — Democrat with 15 years policy experience) • Jonathan Holth as Commissioner of Recovery and Re-Entry (personally in long-term recovery) • Roz Leighton as Chief of Staff (former Trump White House aide)
Governor's Office Appointment Records Nov-Dec 2024; Valley News Live Cabinet Announcement Coverage
3
Agency head vacancy rate
All positions filled by inauguration day December 15, 2024 — efficient transition. • Retained 9 Burgum cabinet members: Adj. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, DOT Director Ron Henke, Job Service Director Pat Bertagnolli, DEQ Director Dave Glatt, WSI Director Art Thompson, DOCR Director Colby Braun, Game and Fish Director Jeb Williams, Parks Director Cody Schulz, Financial Institutions Commissioner Lise Kruse • Made 3 new appointments: Morrissette/OMB, Schilken/Commerce, Mock/CIO • Created new Recovery and Re-Entry Commissioner role
Governor's Office Appointment Records; Bismarck Tribune Cabinet Transition Coverage Nov 2024
2
State employee turnover
Smooth transition minimizing disruption, with pay raises to retain talent. • Retained 9 of 12 agency heads • SB 2345 provides 4%/year salary increases (8% over biennium), exceeding Armstrong's proposed 3% • Designed to retain skilled workers in tight labor market (ND unemployment ~2.4%) • Governor's Awards for Excellence in Public Service presented in 2025, signaling workforce appreciation • State competes with private sector oil/energy jobs for workers
ND HR Management Records; SB 2345 (69th Assembly); Governor's Awards for Excellence 2025; BLS LAUS North Dakota
2
Diversity of appointments
Competence-first philosophy with notable bipartisan and experiential diversity. • Appointed Democrat Corey Mock as CIO — described as 'totally unexpected' cross-party gesture • Jill Kringstad (woman) appointed to Public Service Commission • Jonathan Holth as Commissioner of Recovery and Re-Entry — openly in long-term recovery, adding lived-experience perspective • Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden is a woman • State is 87% white with limited demographic diversity
Governor's Office Appointment Records; StateScoop CIO Appointment Coverage; Grand Forks Herald Mock Interview
3
Judicial appointment quality
Limited judicial appointments in first year — ND uses Judicial Nominating Committee process. • Armstrong is a UND School of Law graduate (2003) and former practicing attorney, bringing legal expertise to judicial selection • Criminal justice reform package (HB 1549, HB 1417) shows understanding of justice system needs • No judicial appointment controversies
ND Judicial Branch; ND Judicial Nominating Committee Records; UND School of Law Alumni Records
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
Legislature approved raises exceeding Armstrong's proposal, but private sector competition remains intense. • Armstrong proposed 3%/year; legislature approved 4%/year via SB 2345 (8% total over biennium, effective July 2025 and July 2026) • ND unemployment ~2.4% — among lowest nationally • ND OMB Employee Compensation Dashboard shows salary data publicly • State must compete with average private sector wages driven up by Bakken oil field demand
ND Job Service Compensation Data; SB 2345 (69th Assembly); BLS OES North Dakota; ND OMB Employee Compensation Dashboard
2
Whistleblower protection
No whistleblower complaints filed against Armstrong administration. • State Auditor performance audit of Development Fund (examining 2019-2024) suggests prior concerns surfaced through audit process rather than whistleblower action • ND has standard whistleblower protections under state law • No changes to whistleblower protections proposed or enacted during 2025 session
ND HR Records; ND State Auditor Development Fund Audit; ND Century Code Whistleblower Protections
2
Inspector General independence
Audit independence fully maintained — no interference from Armstrong administration. • ND State Auditor Josh Gallion (elected, independent of governor) continues standard audit schedule • Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee active during 69th Assembly • State Auditor directed to complete Development Fund performance audit by September 30, 2026 • Armstrong cooperating with all audit processes
ND State Auditor Records; ND Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee 69th Assembly; SB 2396 Development Fund Audit Directive
2
State employee morale
Positive morale signals across multiple dimensions. • 4%/year pay raises (8% over biennium) via SB 2345 — exceeding Armstrong's own 3% proposal • Governor's Awards for Excellence in Public Service presented by Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Strinden in 2025 • Retained 9 agency heads from Burgum administration providing continuity • First cabinet meeting outlined clear expectations and priorities • CIO Mock (6 months in) described his job positively • Created Commissioner of Recovery and Re-Entry showing commitment to expanding state workforce capacity
ND HR Management; SB 2345; Governor's Awards for Excellence 2025; StateScoop Mock Interview
2
Nepotism/cronyism
No nepotism concerns — merit-based hiring philosophy demonstrated throughout. • Cross-party CIO appointment (Democrat Corey Mock) demonstrates non-partisan selection • Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken recruited from South Dakota based on track record ($billions in investment, 10,000+ jobs) • OMB Director Joe Morrissette is 30-year career state budget official — continuity appointment • Recovery Commissioner Jonathan Holth chosen for lived-experience expertise • No family members in administration
ND Ethics Commission Records; Governor's Office Appointment Rationale Statements
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No criminal charges against any senior staff member through March 2026. • Chief of Staff Roz Leighton (former Trump White House aide, former ND GOP Executive Director) has clean record • All cabinet appointees vetted through standard background processes • No ethics complaints, arrests, or investigations involving any administration staff
Court Records; ND Ethics Commission; Governor's Office HR Records
3
Agency performance accountability
Clear accountability framework established from day one. • Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Strinden outlined explicit expectations in first cabinet meeting • SB 2308 creates Boards and Commissions Task Force to audit all 150+ boards for inefficiencies — Armstrong personally testified in support • Created Commissioner of Recovery and Re-Entry to address corrections/homelessness accountability gap • State Auditor directed to audit Development Fund operations (July 2019 – July 2024) • Commerce appointee Schilken tasked with implementing reforms
Governor's Office Cabinet Meeting Records; SB 2308 Task Force; ND State Auditor Audit Directives
2
Disaster declaration timeliness
Timely emergency response tested under severe conditions. • June 20-21, 2025 storm system: 20+ confirmed tornadoes (including EF5 near Enderlin — winds 266+ mph), baseball-size hail, 111 mph straight-line winds, flash flooding • Three lives lost • Armstrong declared statewide disaster promptly • Filed federal major disaster declaration request July 21, 2025 • Declared disaster for agricultural infrastructure damage — launched rapid replacement program July 1
ND DES 2025 June Storm Recovery Records; Governor's Disaster Declaration; FEMA Major Disaster Request July 2025; ND Response June 2025
2
FEMA Public Assistance secured
Filed federal major disaster declaration for June 20-21, 2025 severe storms. • 20+ tornadoes including EF5 near Enderlin, 3 deaths, widespread agricultural and residential damage • Debris fallout carried 40 miles to Moorhead, MN • Armstrong launched state ag infrastructure replacement program while federal request processed • Prior blizzard events (inherited from Burgum transition) also required federal ag disaster designation coordination with Senators Hoeven and Cramer
FEMA PA Records — North Dakota; Governor's Major Disaster Request July 21, 2025; Congressional Blizzard Disaster Designation Request
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Exceptional emergency reserve position — reserves enabled rapid action without federal dependency. • $914.4M Budget Stabilization Fund (as of June 30, 2025) • $12B Legacy Fund • $1.3B inherited general fund surplus • During federal shutdown (October 2025): immediately redirected $1.5M+ for SNAP food assistance and activated Bank of ND loan program for 9,200 federal workers
ND State Treasurer Fund Balances; ND Legacy Fund Reports; Governor's Federal Shutdown Response Records Oct-Nov 2025
3
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
Three lives lost in June 20-21, 2025 tornado outbreak — not preventable through state action. • Caused by EF5 tornado (winds 266+ mph near Enderlin) • NWS issued tornado warnings; state disaster response activated promptly • Emergency communication systems functioned as designed • No deaths attributable to state failure, delayed response, or inadequate warning systems • No preventable infrastructure failures contributing to deaths
ND DES June 2025 Storm Reports; NWS Storm Surveys; 2025 Enderlin Tornado Wikipedia Documentation
2
Post-disaster recovery
Active recovery coordination from June 20-21, 2025 tornado outbreak. • Launched agricultural infrastructure replacement program on July 1 for grain storage and other structures • Extended sympathy to victims' families (3 deaths) • Filed federal major disaster declaration request July 21 • ND Response website created dedicated 2025 June Storm Recovery page • Recovery coordination ongoing through state emergency services and federal partnership
FEMA PA Records; ND Response 2025 June Storm Recovery; Governor's Disaster Declaration and Recovery Programs
2
Public health emergency response
No major public health emergencies, but proactive health policy enacted. • Signed HB 1114 capping insulin at $25/month • HB 1473 (340B drug pricing access) expands affordable medication for rural hospitals despite pharmaceutical opposition • During federal shutdown: directed $550-600K to WIC and $915K to Great Plains Food Bank for food security • Established Interagency Council on Homelessness addressing health/housing intersection
ND DOH; HB 1114 and HB 1473 (69th Assembly); Governor's Federal Shutdown Health Response; EO Interagency Council on Homelessness
2
Infrastructure failure prevention
No critical infrastructure failures, but long-term funding gap is a concern. • NDDOT maintaining 2025 construction program: 57 miles reconstruction, 397 miles preventive maintenance, 15 bridge structures • Major I-94 eastbound reconstruction (Bismarck to Menoken) underway • WBI Energy committed up to $500M for natural gas pipeline from western to eastern ND • NDDOT identified $14.6B 20-year infrastructure shortfall (only $10B projected revenue) — system deteriorating faster than it can be preserved
ND DOT 2025 Construction Program; NDDOT Transportation Connection Update 2025-2050; WBI Energy Pipeline Commitment
2
National Guard deployment appropriateness
Guard readiness maintained at high levels with no controversial deployments. • Retained Adj. Gen. Mitchell Johnson from Burgum administration — continuity in Guard leadership • Announced new ND Air National Guard detachment to support B-52 operations at Minot AFB — 119th Wing augmenting 5th Bomb Wing, ~40 personnel by October 2026 • Guard activated for June 2025 tornado response as needed • No border deployment requests
ND National Guard; Governor's Minot AFB Visit June 2025; Minot AFB News Article; ND DES Guard Activation Records
3
Emergency communication
Tested in two major events — communication was prompt, multi-channel, and substantive. • June 2025 tornado outbreak: declared disaster promptly, extended public sympathy, launched agricultural replacement program within 10 days, filed FEMA request within month, created dedicated ND Response recovery page • Federal shutdown Oct-Nov 2025: created NDResponse.gov/shutdownresources page, announced $1.5M+ food assistance, activated Bank of ND loan program for 9,200 federal workers, urged donations to food pantries
Governor's Office Press Releases; ND DES; NDResponse.gov Shutdown Resources Page; Governor's Food Assistance Announcement Oct 2025
2
Interagency coordination
Strong interagency coordination demonstrated across multiple crises. • Federal shutdown: Industrial Commission (loans via Bank of ND for 9,200 federal workers), HHS ($915K to Great Plains Food Bank, $550-600K to WIC), ND Response (centralized info page) • Established Interagency Council on Homelessness via EO — 12-person council chaired by Housing Finance Agency Director, vice-chaired by Commissioner of Recovery and Re-Entry • Coordinates across HHS, corrections, housing agencies • Created Commissioner of Recovery and Re-Entry role to bridge corrections, HHS, and judiciary
ND Industrial Commission Records; EO Establishing Interagency Council on Homelessness; Governor's Office Cabinet Coordination Records
2
Pandemic response metrics
No pandemic during tenure. Standard disease surveillance maintained. • As congressman, Armstrong opposed overly restrictive COVID mandates but supported targeted relief • Noted he 'learned during COVID that you miss a lot in video meetings and you miss all the nonverbal cues' — emphasizes in-person governance • ND DOH maintains standard disease surveillance • No novel public health threats during first 15 months
ND DOH; InForum Armstrong Schedule Interview; Armstrong Congressional COVID-Era Record
2
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
June 2025 tested preparedness — response infrastructure performed under extreme conditions. • 20+ tornadoes including EF5 (Enderlin, 266+ mph winds), derecho straight-line winds, baseball hail • NWS warnings issued, ND DES activated, disaster declared promptly • ND faces flood (Red River, Missouri River), drought, blizzard, and severe storm risks • Retained DOT Director Ron Henke and National Guard Adj. Gen. Mitchell Johnson for continuity • Created NDResponse.gov resources for federal shutdown — institutional preparedness extends beyond weather events
ND DES
2
FOIA/open records compliance
Full compliance with ND sunshine laws; no complaints about Armstrong administration. • ND sunshine laws make all government records and meetings open unless specifically exempted by statute • Applies to all state/local agencies, public schools, and contractors providing public services • No statement of purpose required for records requests • Notable weakness: no response time specified in law • 2026 Sunshine Week audit of local governments showed generally responsive practices
ND Open Records Law (ND Century Code Ch. 44-04); ND Attorney General Open Records Division; NFOIC North Dakota Laws Assessment
2
Governor's schedule availability
Schedule publicly available through governor.nd.gov with active statewide engagement. • InForum audited Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Strinden schedules over two weeks (late Jan/early Feb 2025) • Results: 22% of time in transit, 32 meetings, 5 interviews, 7 public appearances • Armstrong described as having 'no typical week' • Small state structure enables direct constituent contact
Governor's Office Website (governor.nd.gov); InForum Schedule Analysis Feb 2025
2
Campaign finance compliance
No campaign finance violations across gubernatorial or congressional campaigns. • Won 2024 gubernatorial race with 68% of vote (vs. 26% Piepkorn, 6% Coachman) • Campaign finance disclosures filed on time with ND Secretary of State • Prior congressional campaigns (2018, 2020, 2022) also had no FEC violations • Concern noted about personal oil/gas income creating potential conflicts — but no violations found
ND Secretary of State Campaign Finance Records; FEC Armstrong Congressional Campaign Filings; Ballotpedia Armstrong Campaign Data
3
Financial disclosure
Financial disclosures filed as required, though oil/gas ties raise potential conflict questions. • Armstrong has significant personal oil and gas industry ties • Raised during 2024 campaign by Daily Climate/EHN as potential conflict since governor oversees bodies regulating the industry • Disclosures publicly available • Congressional financial disclosures also on file with House Ethics Committee from 2019-2024 service
ND Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; House Ethics Committee Financial Disclosures (2019-2024); Daily Climate Conflict of Interest Reporting
2
Open meetings compliance
Full compliance — no complaints filed about closed meetings under Armstrong. • ND sunshine laws cover all state agencies, public schools, and entities expending public funds • AG office enforces open meetings requirements • Legislative committees met publicly during 69th session • Boards and Commissions Task Force (SB 2308) meetings conducted publicly since October 2025 • Industrial Commission meetings (Armstrong chairs) held openly
ND AG Open Meetings Records; ND Century Code Ch. 44-04; SB 2308 Task Force Meeting Records
3
Open data portal
Multiple data portals maintained and accessible. • ND data portal (nd.gov) operational • OMB Employee Compensation Dashboard publicly publishes all state employee salary data • ND Finance Facts (2025 edition) published by Legislative Council • Oil and gas production statistics updated monthly by DMR • CIO Corey Mock described IT modernization efforts including improving citizen-facing digital services • State Auditor audit reports and budget documents published online
ND State Data Portal (nd.gov); ND OMB Financial Transparency Portal; StateScoop CIO Mock Interview; ND DMR Oil/Gas Statistics
2
Budget transparency
Comprehensive budget transparency with detailed public documentation. • 2025-27 executive budget released January 15, 2025 with agency-by-agency breakdowns • OMB Director Morrissette (30 years experience) testified before Joint Appropriations Committee • 2025 ND Finance Facts published by Legislative Council • Budget Stabilization Fund and Legacy Fund balances reported by State Treasurer • Revenue forecasts updated March 2025 • Employee Compensation Dashboard on OMB website • Final $20.3B enacted budget publicly documented
ND OMB Executive Budget Jan 2025; ND Legislative Council 2025 Finance Facts; ND State Treasurer Fund Reports; ND OMB Financial Transparency Portal
2
Lobbying disclosure
Standard lobbying disclosure maintained — Armstrong signed legislation over lobbyist opposition. • Lobbyist registration and expenditure reports publicly filed with Secretary of State • Pharmaceutical industry (AbbVie, AstraZeneca, PhRMA) lobbied against HB 1473 (340B drug pricing) — Armstrong signed it anyway • Oil/gas industry lobbying disclosed per standard process • No changes to lobbying disclosure requirements during session
ND Secretary of State Lobbying Registration and Expenditure Records; 69th Assembly Lobbyist Registration Database
3
IG report publication
All audit reports published on schedule with no obstruction. • ND State Auditor (Josh Gallion) publishes all reports on nd.gov/auditor • 2025 audit schedule publicly posted • Performance audit of Development Fund (SB 2396) directed for completion by September 30, 2026 • FY2024 ACFR published on time • Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee held public hearings during interim
ND State Auditor Website (nd.gov/auditor); ND OMB ACFR Page; Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Records
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Full cooperation with legislative audit process — willingness to submit executive branch to review. • Supported SB 2396 directing State Auditor performance audit of Development Fund (2019-2024) • SB 2308 (Boards and Commissions Task Force) shows openness to legislative review • No conflicts between governor's office and Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee • Background as state senator (2012-2018) gives deep respect for legislative oversight
ND State Auditor; Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee 69th Assembly; SB 2396 and SB 2308 Records
3
Press conference accessibility
Regular press availability enhanced by small-state media market. • InForum audit showed 5 interviews in a two-week period • Available to ND outlets: InForum, Bismarck Tribune, KFYR-TV, Valley News Live, KFGO, ND Monitor • Press conferences held for major events: State of the State (Jan 7), budget release (Jan 15), property tax signing (May), disaster declarations (June), federal shutdown response (October) • governor.nd.gov publishes news releases regularly
Governor's Office Media Schedule; InForum Schedule Analysis; governor.nd.gov News Releases
2
State contract transparency
Standard procurement transparency with publicly documented competitive processes. • NDDOT Flex Fund awarded 103 projects ($119M) through competitive grant process • $50M Commerce housing program structured as public-private partnership with transparent match requirements • Corrections contract with Burleigh/Morton County Detention Center (120 beds) publicly announced • State Auditor auditing Development Fund contracts from prior period • WBI Energy $500M pipeline commitment publicly disclosed
ND Procurement Office; NDDOT Flex Fund Awards; ND Commerce Housing Program; Governor's Office Contract Announcements
3
Court order compliance
No court order compliance issues — all litigation handled through proper channels. • HB 1473 (340B drug pricing) defending against AbbVie, AstraZeneca, and PhRMA lawsuits — industry-initiated, not state-initiated • Lawmaker immunity provision veto validated by AG opinion as 'clear and unambiguous' • No injunctions issued against state actions under Armstrong • AG handling standard litigation load
Court Records; ND AG Office Litigation; ND Monitor HB 1473 Litigation Coverage; AG Veto Opinion June 2025
2
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges as governor. Prior DUI citation (January 2001, Virginia, while in college) fully disclosed. • Pleaded guilty to misdemeanor in March 2001 • Fully disclosed during 2018 congressional campaign — ND GOP confirmed 'Kelly has always been open and honest about being cited for a DUI while he was in college' • Later spearheaded DUI law reform legislation as state senator • No criminal issues in 25+ years since • UND Law graduate (2003), practicing attorney
Court Records — Virginia 2001; Grand Forks Herald DUI Coverage 2018; ND GOP Statement; Armstrong Legislative Record on DUI Reform
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
No substantiated ethics complaints — no investigations opened through March 2026. • Daily Climate/EHN raised concerns during 2024 campaign about oil/gas income creating potential conflicts since governor oversees regulatory bodies • No formal ethics complaints filed • Oil/gas regulatory structure unchanged from predecessor Burgum (who also had significant personal wealth) • No complaints filed with ND Ethics Commission
ND Ethics Commission Records; Daily Climate/EHN Campaign Coverage 2024
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift and travel disclosures filed per ND Ethics Commission requirements. Notable travel: • Met with President Trump in Washington regarding executive orders supporting coal and energy stability • Visited Minot AFB (flew in B-52H Stratofortress) • Visited all five tribal nations (Turtle Mountain, Standing Rock, MHA Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Spirit Lake) • InForum schedule audit showed 22% of time in transit — extensive in-state travel
ND Ethics Commission Gift/Travel Records; Governor's Office Travel Records; InForum Schedule Analysis
2
Conflict of interest
No formal conflicts documented, though structural overlap exists. • Armstrong derives substantial personal income from oil/gas industry and oversees ND Industrial Commission and DEQ which regulate oil production • Daily Climate reported this during campaign • Structural overlap is standard for ND governors — Burgum also had significant business interests • Armstrong has not altered oil/gas regulations in ways that create personal benefit • Financial disclosures filed transparently
ND Ethics Commission; ND Financial Disclosure Records; Daily Climate Conflict Analysis 2024
3
State resources for political purposes
No documented misuse of state resources for political purposes. • Armstrong not up for re-election until 2028 • Official actions (property tax relief, disaster response, federal shutdown response) serve clear public purposes • Washington trip to meet President Trump was official state business regarding energy policy • No state employees or resources diverted to political campaigns or partisan activities
ND Ethics Commission; Governor's Office Official Activity Records
3
Truthfulness in official statements
No documented falsehoods in official statements — data-grounded governance. • Budget projections grounded in OMB analysis (Joe Morrissette, 30 years experience) • Property tax relief numbers verified: HB 1176 credit of $1,600/year, $409M cost, funded from Legacy Fund earnings • Oil production figures aligned with DMR data (~1.17M barrels/day) • Federal shutdown assistance numbers confirmed ($1.5M+ food assistance, 9,200 federal workers helped via loans) • As congressman, was one of 7 Republicans who rejected January 6 election challenge
Governor's Office Public Statements; ND OMB Budget Verification; ND DMR Production Data; Armstrong Congressional Record on Jan 6
3
Protection of ethics infrastructure
No erosion of ethics infrastructure under Armstrong. • No changes to ND Ethics Commission structure or authority • State Auditor independence maintained — Development Fund audit proceeding without interference • SB 2308 reviews government bodies but Ethics Commission not targeted for elimination or merger • Open records and open meetings laws unchanged • AG's Open Records Division continues enforcement function
ND Ethics Commission; ND State Auditor; SB 2308 Task Force Records; AG Open Records Division
2
Emoluments/self-dealing
No self-dealing documented despite personal oil/gas interests. • Has not directed state regulatory changes that personally benefit his holdings • State Auditor performance audit of Development Fund (prior period) examines possible self-dealing in prior administration • Armstrong's appointee Schilken tasked with reforms • Governor's salary is $142,000 (set by legislature) • No emoluments complaints filed
ND Financial Disclosures; ND Ethics Commission; State Auditor Development Fund Audit; ND Governor Compensation Records
3
Campaign donor to state contract pipeline
No documented donor-to-contract pipeline. • Major state contracts awarded through standard procurement and market processes: NDDOT $119M Flex Fund, Burleigh/Morton detention contract, WBI Energy pipeline • Commerce housing program ($50M) structured with competitive application • No investigative reports linking campaign donors to preferential state contracts
ND Secretary of State Campaign Finance; ND Procurement Records; ND Monitor/Bismarck Tribune Contract Coverage
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. • Served on House Judiciary Committee in Congress (2019-2024) — familiar with foreign influence risks • No FARA registrations associated with Armstrong or any administration official • ND oil production is domestic (Bakken formation) • Washington visit to President Trump focused on domestic energy policy • No foreign government meetings or gifts reported
DOJ FARA Database; House Judiciary Committee Records; Governor's Office Travel/Meeting Disclosures
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims against Armstrong or any administration official. • No complaints filed through ND HR system, Ethics Commission, or courts • Clean record through congressional service (2019-2024) and state senate tenure (2012-2018) • Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden and Jill Kringstad (PSC) are women in senior positions — no hostile workplace allegations
ND HR Records; ND Ethics Commission; Congressional Ethics Records
3
Records preservation
No records preservation issues. • Governor's Office publishes news releases and executive orders on governor.nd.gov • Legislative records preserved through ndlegis.gov • 2025 session bill tracking, vote records, and testimony publicly archived • State Archives maintaining standard preservation schedule • CIO Corey Mock overseeing IT systems that support digital records management
ND State Archives; Governor's Office Records Management; ND ITD Digital Records Preservation
3
Revolving door
No revolving door concerns — nearly all appointments are public-to-public transitions. • Armstrong's transition from Congress to governor is standard elected-to-elected move • Chief of Staff Roz Leighton came from congressional staff (public to public) • OMB Director Morrissette is 30-year state employee • CIO Mock came from state legislature (public to public) • Commerce Commissioner Schilken came from South Dakota state government (public to public) • No corporate executives placed in regulatory roles overseeing their former employers
ND Ethics Commission; Governor's Office Appointment Records; Appointee Background Disclosures
3
Fraud losses in state programs
No new fraud losses identified under Armstrong; prior-period concerns being audited. • State Auditor performance audit of Development Fund (July 2019 – July 2024) examining potential self-dealing and preferential write-offs • Armstrong appointed new Commerce Commissioner Schilken to reform operations • Standard anti-fraud controls on SNAP (28,000 households), Medicaid, UI maintained • Very low UI claim volume due to ~2.4% unemployment • SAVE system verifies immigration status for benefits
ND State Auditor; SB 2396 Development Fund Audit; ND DHS Program Integrity Reports
2
Program integrity — eligibility verification
Inherited standard eligibility verification systems with no fraud scandals. • SAVE system used for immigration status verification • E-Verify required for state agency hiring • SNAP eligibility managed through ND HHS (56,000+ recipients at risk during federal shutdown — Armstrong directed $1.5M+ in state assistance) • HB 1549 streamlines Medicaid eligibility for people exiting prison — closing coverage gaps
ND DHS Program Integrity; DHS SAVE Program; HB 1549 (69th Assembly); ND HHS SNAP Administration
2
IT system modernization
IT modernization underway under bipartisan CIO appointee. • Appointed Democrat Corey Mock as CIO — 15 years policy experience, chaired legislative IT Committee • Mock's focus: improving citizen-facing digital services and assessing IT at the 'human level' • Six months in, Mock said administration provides strong support for IT initiatives • NDResponse.gov used effectively for federal shutdown resource coordination • Nuclear energy site selection requires new IT infrastructure planning
ND ITD Reports; StateScoop Corey Mock Interview; GovTech ND IT Assessment Coverage; NDResponse.gov
2
Permit processing timeliness
Business-friendly regulatory environment maintained for oil/gas permitting. • Oil and gas permits processed at standard pace through ND Department of Mineral Resources • ~1.17M barrels/day production with ~30-35 active rigs in Bakken • Armstrong: 'We have the right business climate and a government that understands private capital drives this industry' • DEQ manages environmental permits including flaring regulations • Emphasis on enhanced oil recovery to unlock untapped Bakken reserves • ND ranked among top states for business climate
ND DMR Drilling/Production Statistics; ND DEQ Permit Records; Grand Forks Herald Energy Summit Coverage
2
Child welfare system
No major child welfare crises — multiple policies benefit children and families. • Cell phone ban in K-12 schools aimed at improving student mental health • Insulin cap at $25/month benefits families with diabetic children • Interagency Council on Homelessness coordinates family homelessness services • HB 1549 helps parents exiting prison reconnect with families through improved re-entry services • Standard child welfare system administered through ND HHS
ACF CFSR Results — North Dakota; ND HHS Child Welfare; HB 1114, Cell Phone Ban, HB 1549 (69th Assembly)
2
Medicaid program management
Medicaid operating at standard levels with targeted coverage improvements. • HB 1549 streamlines Medicaid access for people exiting prison — closing coverage gaps • HB 1114 (insulin $25 cap) and HB 1473 (340B drug pricing) reduce costs for Medicaid-adjacent populations • No state Medicaid expansion for undocumented populations • Federal shutdown threatened program continuity — Armstrong's $1.5M+ state fund redirect protected assistance • Rural healthcare access remains an ND challenge
CMS Medicaid Reviews — North Dakota; ND HHS Medicaid Administration; HB 1549, HB 1114, HB 1473 (69th Assembly)
2
Environmental program
Continuity in environmental oversight with infrastructure investments to reduce emissions. • DEQ Director Dave Glatt retained from Burgum administration • DEQ manages flaring regulations, air quality permits, and environmental compliance for ~1.17M barrels/day oil production • Armstrong emphasized enhanced oil recovery and pipeline infrastructure to reduce flaring • WBI Energy $500M pipeline commitment will move gas more efficiently • Nuclear energy study underway for future clean energy • ND DEQ not EPA-delegated for all programs — some gaps in authority
EPA State Program Evaluations — North Dakota; ND DEQ; Governor's Energy Summit Remarks; WBI Energy Pipeline Announcement
3
Transportation project delivery
Award-winning program delivery, but $14.6B long-term funding gap identified. • DOT Director Ron Henke retained from Burgum administration • 2025 program: 57 miles roadway reconstruction, 397 miles preventive maintenance, 15 bridge structures • Major projects: I-94 Bismarck-Menoken reconstruction, Williston US-2 intersection, Mandan Memorial Highway • NDDOT Flex Fund: 103 local projects ($119M) • $2.7B via STIP 2025-2028 • AASHTO awards: Highway 2 Reduced Conflict Intersections (Operations Excellence), Wrong Way Detection (Safety) • 20-year shortfall: $14.6B needed vs. $10B projected revenue
ND DOT 2025 Construction Program; NDDOT STIP 2025-2028; FHWA ND Division; AASHTO 2025 Transportation Awards
2
Unemployment insurance system
UI system functioning well in tight labor market, with innovative shutdown response. • ND unemployment ~2.4% — among lowest nationally • Job Service Director Pat Bertagnolli retained from Burgum administration • Very low UI claim volume • Federal shutdown response: Bank of ND Furloughed Federal Employee Relief Program provided low-interest loans to ~9,200 workers • $915K to Great Plains Food Bank (450,000 lbs food for ~24,000 households), $550-600K to WIC • Created ndresponse.gov/shutdownresources for centralized information
ND Job Service; DOL UI Data; BLS LAUS North Dakota; Governor's Shutdown Response Oct-Nov 2025; Bank of ND Loan Program
3
Veterans services
Strong military/veterans engagement with new Guard investment. • ND Department of Veterans Affairs serves 89,000+ veterans in ND/MN/SD region • Fargo VA Health Care System operational since 1929 • Armstrong visited Minot AFB (flew in B-52H), announced new ND Air National Guard detachment (119th Wing augmenting 5th Bomb Wing, ~40 personnel by Oct 2026) • Grand Forks AFB continues drone/ISR mission • Military installations are major employers in ND communities • Plans for new ND military history museum announced
ND DVA; VA Fargo Health Care System; Minot AFB Public Affairs; Governor's Minot AFB Visit June 2025
3
Housing program effectiveness
Multiple housing cost reduction measures enacted, though oil patch shortages persist. • Property tax credit of $1,600/year for primary residences ($409M total) directly reduces housing costs • $105M budget allocation for housing — $50M Commerce program leveraging $150M via public-private partnerships • Interagency Council on Homelessness established (12-person council chaired by HFA Director Dettlaff) • Workforce housing shortages persist in oil patch (Williston, Watford City) • Armstrong acknowledged legislature missed opportunity on full housing plan
ND Housing Finance Agency; Census ACS Housing Data; HB 1176 Property Tax Records; EO Interagency Council on Homelessness; ND OMB Housing Budget
2
Corrections system
Proactive approach to prison overcrowding with structural reform. • $16.1M for Grand Forks County Correctional Center expansion (90 beds by July 2025) • $9.3M for Missouri River Correctional Center temporary housing (88 beds) • 120-bed deal at Burleigh/Morton County Detention Center • Created Commissioner of Recovery and Re-Entry cabinet position (Jonathan Holth — person in long-term recovery) • Criminal justice reform: HB 1549 (jail counseling/education/reentry grants), HB 1417 (limits indigent defense fees) • DOCR Director Colby Braun retained
ND DOCR Annual Reports; Governor's Budget Prison Overcrowding Proposals; HB 1549, HB 1417 (69th Assembly); ND Monitor Prison Coverage
3
Federal funding captured
Uniquely positioned for federal relationships as former US Congressman (2019-2024). • ND receiving $1.9B in IIJA highway funding over 5 years • Federal agricultural, military (Minot AFB, Grand Forks AFB), and energy funding significant • Predecessor Doug Burgum now Interior Secretary — Armstrong noted this creates 'unique opportunities' for ND • Filed FEMA major disaster request for June 2025 tornadoes • During federal shutdown, leveraged Bank of ND for creative state-level solution rather than waiting for federal resolution
USASpending.gov — North Dakota FY2025; IIJA State Allocations; Governor's Office Federal Relations; FEMA Disaster Request July 2025
3
Federal corrective action plans
No major federal corrective actions required. • ND state programs operating at standard levels across FHWA (highway), CMS (Medicaid), ACF (child welfare), EPA (environmental), and USDA (SNAP/agricultural) • Federal single audit proceeding normally under State Auditor • Aa1 credit rating and $12B Legacy Fund indicate strong fiscal compliance that reduces federal oversight triggers
Federal Agency State Reviews — North Dakota; ND State Auditor Single Audit; Moody's June 2025 Credit Report
3
Interstate cooperation
Strong interstate and tribal engagement. • Rare joint meeting with South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden and Standing Rock Tribal Chairwoman Janet Alkire — tripartite coordination • Armstrong said 'when the Chairwoman calls, we say yes' • Predecessor Burgum now Interior Secretary — enhancing ND-federal-interstate relationships • NDDOT planning $1.2B in surface transportation improvements (2026-2028) including interstate corridor projects • Dakota Access Pipeline (542,000 barrels/day) connects ND to Illinois markets
Interstate Compact Records; Governor's Standing Rock Meeting Apr 2025; NDDOT STIP; Dakota Access Pipeline Flow Data
3
Local government relations
Property tax reform structurally smart — local governments held harmless. • $1,600 credit paid by state from Legacy Fund earnings ($173M next biennium) — local governments receive full property tax revenue while homeowners get relief • 3% annual cap on local tax budget increases provides predictability without slashing local budgets • Visited all five tribal nations — hosted 7th Government-to-Government Conference reaffirming state-tribal partnership • NDDOT awarded 103 local projects ($119M via Flex Fund)
ND Association of Counties; HB 1176 Records; Governor's Tribal Relations; NDDOT Flex Fund; G2G Conference June 2025
2
Federal litigation costs
Minimal federal litigation costs — no state-initiated federal lawsuits generating significant costs. • HB 1473 (340B drug pricing) defending against AbbVie, AstraZeneca, and PhRMA lawsuits — industry-initiated, not state-initiated • Joined multi-state coalitions on immigration enforcement but not filed standalone federal lawsuits • No major federal court challenges to Armstrong's executive orders or legislation • AG handling standard litigation load
ND AG Litigation Records; ND Monitor HB 1473 Lawsuit Coverage; Multi-State Coalition Filings
2
Constituent inquiry response
Armstrong prioritizes direct constituent engagement in small state (~780K population). • 'Pleasantly surprised how much he gets to interact with constituents' • As congressman, held town hall meetings across ND's at-large district • In-person meetings 'pay off in terms of getting valuable information and building trustworthy relationships' • 22% of schedule time spent in transit across state • Contact information publicly accessible via governor.nd.gov and armstrongnd.com
Governor's Office; InForum Schedule Analysis; Governor's Website Contact Page
3
Town halls held
Extensive statewide travel and engagement — small state structure enables direct access. • Visited all five tribal nations (unprecedented for many ND governors) • InForum two-week audit: 7 public appearances, 5 media interviews, 32 meetings • Spoke at UND ('A Vision for North Dakota' event), Grand Forks Energy Summit, G2G Conference (Bismarck Event Center) • Small state media market enables higher accessibility than larger states
Governor's Office Schedule; InForum Armstrong Schedule Analysis; UND Events Calendar; G2G Conference Records
2
Constituent satisfaction
Strong constituent satisfaction indicators across multiple popular policies. • HB 1176 property tax relief ($1,600 credit for ~50,000+ homeowners) broadly popular • Insulin $25/month cap popular with healthcare consumers • Cell phone school ban popular with parents • Federal shutdown response directly helped ~24,000 food-insecure households and 9,200 federal workers • 340B drug pricing law benefits rural hospitals • Armstrong shared 'proudest accomplishments from his first year' publicly • Small state (~780K) provides direct accountability
ND media coverage; Governor's Office Accomplishments Statement Dec 2025; Constituent response to policy actions
2
ADA compliance
Standard ADA compliance maintained — no DOJ complaints. • Governor's Office website (governor.nd.gov) accessible • HB 1114 (insulin $25 cap) and 340B drug pricing law improve healthcare access for disabled constituents • HB 1549 improves re-entry services including for disabled individuals exiting corrections • State agencies comply with ADA requirements
DOJ ADA Reviews; governor.nd.gov Accessibility; HB 1114 and HB 1473 Healthcare Access Provisions
3
Electoral accountability
Strong electoral mandate with consistent electoral success. • Won 2024 general election with 68% (vs. Democrat Merrill Piepkorn at 26%, independent Michael Coachman at 6%) • Previously won Republican primary decisively • Won at-large US House seat three times (2018, 2020, 2022) • First year accomplishments strengthen initial mandate • Not up for re-election until 2028
ND Secretary of State — 2024 General Election Results; NBC News Election Results; Ballotpedia Armstrong Election History
2

Section B — State Outcomes 614/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

Strong economic fundamentals driven by oil/gas and tight labor market. • BLS LAUS: ND unemployment ~2.4% — among lowest nationally • BEA SAGDP: GDP driven by oil/gas (3rd largest producing state, ~1.17M barrels/day, ~30-35 active rigs in Bakken) • Armstrong: 'We have the right business climate and a government that understands private capital drives this industry' • Oil tax revenue projected $4.9B for 2025-27 biennium • 4%/year state employee pay raises (SB 2345) exceeding Armstrong's 3% proposal • WBI Energy committed $500M for natural gas pipeline (western to eastern ND) • Key risk: oil price volatility — budget assumes $62/barrel in 2026, $60/barrel in 2027
Record population growth, but rural depopulation outside metro/energy centers persists. • Census: ND reached record 799,358 (Jul 2025), fourth consecutive year of growth — likely surpassed 800,000 by late 2025 • Up 20,264 since 2020 Census; grew 18.4% since 2010, among nation's fastest-growing states • Top gainers: Cass County (Fargo) +2,788, Burleigh County (Bismarck) +1,623, Williams County (Williston) +1,459 • 28 counties gained population, 25 lost — rural depopulation continues • Armstrong attributed growth to 'job opportunities, low taxes, strong education and healthcare' • Projected to reach 831,543 by 2030 (+6%) • Energy development attracting diverse workforce to western ND
Exceptional fiscal position with massive reserves and sustainable tax relief. • $914.4M Budget Stabilization Fund (Jun 2025), $12B Legacy Fund, $1.3B inherited general fund surplus • Moody's Aa1 credit rating (Jun 2025) • Enacted $20.3B biennial budget (2025-27) with $6.6B general fund • Property tax credit ($1,600/yr, $409M total) funded sustainably from Legacy Fund earnings ($173M next biennium) • Oil tax revenue projected $4.9B — ~$828M less than prior biennium • Budget assumes $62/barrel (2026), $60/barrel (2027) • During federal shutdown, reserves enabled immediate state response without federal dependency • $464M in construction bonding authorized
Violent crime well below national average and declining. • FBI UCR 2024: ND violent crime rate 254 per 100K — 29.2% below national average, ranked 33rd • Violent crime down 9.1% year-over-year (vs 5.4% national decrease) • Crime composition: 68.6% aggravated assaults, 19.6% rapes, 10.8% robberies, 1% murders • Oil patch areas (Williston, Watford City) have elevated crime due to transient workforce • Fargo and Bismarck are primary urban crime centers • Armstrong signed HB 1303 anti-sanctuary law strengthening ICE cooperation
Above-average student outcomes with teacher recruitment challenges in rural areas. • NAEP: ND scores at or above national average in reading and math • High graduation rate (~89%) • Signed K-12 cell phone ban to improve focus and mental health • $44.3M for Education Savings Accounts in 2025-27 budget • Small school system (~115,000 students) with good per-pupil spending relative to cost of living • Teacher recruitment challenging in rural and western ND — competing with oil patch wages • 4%/year state employee raises (SB 2345) include education staff • Nuclear energy study may create future STEM education opportunities
Proactive drug pricing legislation, but rural healthcare access remains challenging. • Census ACS: ND uninsured rate ~8-9%, near national average • HB 1114 caps insulin at $25/month — direct cost relief • HB 1473 (340B drug pricing) expands affordable medications for rural hospitals despite AbbVie/AstraZeneca/PhRMA opposition (lawsuit filed) • HB 1549 streamlines Medicaid eligibility for people exiting prison • During federal shutdown: $550-600K to WIC, $915K to Great Plains Food Bank • Fargo VA Health Care System serves 89,000+ veterans • Rural healthcare access remains challenging in remote communities
Award-winning program delivery with significant long-term funding gap. • NDDOT 2025 program: 57 miles roadway reconstruction, 397 miles preventive maintenance, 15 bridge structures • Major I-94 Bismarck-Menoken reconstruction underway • NDDOT Flex Fund: 103 local projects ($119M) • $2.7B in STIP 2025-2028 transportation investments • AASHTO awards: Highway 2 Reduced Conflict Intersections, Wrong Way Detection • Critical gap: $14.6B 20-year shortfall (only $10B projected revenue) • WBI Energy committed $500M for natural gas pipeline • Oil field roads stressed by Bakken truck traffic • Harsh winter climate creates ongoing maintenance challenges
Below-average cost of living with targeted tax relief, though oil patch housing elevated. • BEA RPP: ND cost of living below national average (~90-93 regional price parity) • Housing generally affordable outside oil patch • Property tax credit ($1,600/yr for 50K primary residences, $409M) funded from Legacy Fund earnings • 3% annual cap on local tax budget increases provides predictability • Oil patch housing (Williston, Watford City) elevated due to energy workforce demand • $50M Commerce housing program leveraging $150M via public-private partnerships • Heating costs significant in harsh winters • No state income tax on first $44K • Armstrong acknowledged legislature missed opportunity on full housing plan
Strong sunshine laws but no specific response deadline — a notable weakness. • ND sunshine laws make all government records and meetings open unless specifically exempted • Applies to all state/local agencies, public schools, and contractors expending public funds • No statement of purpose required for records requests • Notable weakness: no specific response deadline in Open Records Act (same as OH, OK, WI) • OMB Employee Compensation Dashboard publicly publishes all state salary data • ND Finance Facts (2025 edition) published by Legislative Council • InForum schedule audit: 22% transit, 32 meetings, 5 interviews, 7 public appearances in two weeks • CIO Mock improving citizen-facing digital services • Penalties up to $1,000 for noncompliance
Very few controversies in first year. • Prior DUI citation (Jan 2001, Virginia, college) fully disclosed during 2018 campaign — ND GOP confirmed 'Kelly has always been open and honest'; later spearheaded DUI reform legislation as state senator • Oil/gas income conflict raised by Daily Climate/EHN during 2024 campaign — governor oversees regulatory bodies for industry he profits from • Line-item veto of lawmaker immunity provision validated by AG as 'clear and unambiguous' • HB 1473 (340B drug pricing) generated pharmaceutical industry lawsuit — Armstrong signed it anyway • Federal shutdown response widely praised
34th governor in ND's 135-year history — promising early record. • Succeeds Doug Burgum (now US Secretary of Interior) — creates 'unique opportunities' per Armstrong • First governor from Congress since Arthur Link (1973-81) • Property tax credit ($1,600/yr for 50K households, $409M from Legacy Fund earnings) is largest tax relief in state history • Brings legal/legislative background (UND Law 2003, state senator 2012-18, US Congressman 2019-24) vs. Burgum's tech-CEO approach • Created Commissioner of Recovery and Re-Entry cabinet position — first of its kind in ND • InForum: 'divergent approaches' between Armstrong (leader) and Burgum (follower) in Trump era
Strong mandate with popular first-year accomplishments. • Won 2024 race with 68% (vs 26% Piepkorn, 6% Coachman) • Property tax credit ($1,600/yr for 50K households) very popular • Insulin cap at $25/month (HB 1114) broadly supported • Federal shutdown response (Oct 2025) demonstrated constituent-first governance — $1.5M+ food assistance, Bank of ND loans for 9,200 federal workers • Visited all five tribal nations and hosted 7th Government-to-Government Conference • InForum confirmed active statewide engagement • Small state (~800K) provides direct constituent access and accountability
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +170 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 32 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
ND violent crime rate ~280/100K — well below national average and stable/declining. Among safer states nationally.
FBI UCR 2023; ND BCI
+2
Homicide rate relative to national average
ND homicide rate ~3.0/100K vs national ~6.3/100K — approximately 52% below national average.
FBI UCR 2023; CDC WONDER
+2
Homicide clearance rate
Small caseload makes rate volatile. Estimated 55-65% clearance rate — adequate for a low-volume state.
FBI UCR SHR; ND BCI
+1
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
ND rural areas face staffing challenges given vast geography. Approximately 2.0-2.2 per 1,000 residents. Adequate in Fargo/Bismarck, strained in rural counties.
FBI LEOKA; BJS
0
Drug overdose death rate trend
ND overdose death rate below national average (~18/100K vs ~33 national). Relatively stable. Fentanyl emerging as concern on I-94 corridor.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
+1
Emergency management preparedness
ND DES handles flood and severe weather threats. Adequate preparedness for state risk profile. Short tenure limits full assessment.
FEMA SPR; ND DES
+1
Preventable mass-casualty event response
Armstrong directed innovative federal shutdown response ($1.5M SNAP, Bank of ND loans for 9,200 federal workers). No major disasters during 3-month tenure.
ND Governor's Office; FEMA
+1
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
ND has significant infrastructure challenges from oil-boom road damage. Structurally deficient bridges ~8%. Roads in fair condition. Investment ongoing.
FHWA NBI; ASCE ND
+1
Water and dam safety compliance
ND drinking water generally compliant with EPA SDWA. Dam safety program meets standards. Garrison Dam and other federal facilities maintained. Western ND water infrastructure investment ongoing.
EPA SDWIS; ND SWC
+2
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
ND uninsured rate approximately 7-8% — within adequate range. Medicaid expansion under ACA adopted by ballot measure (2017). Rural healthcare access challenges.
Census ACS; KFF
+1
Maternal mortality rate
ND maternal mortality rate low, approximately 12-16/100K live births. Small population creates statistical volatility.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
+2
Infant mortality rate
ND infant mortality rate approximately 4.5-5.5/1,000 — near national average but within strong range in recent years.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
+2
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
ND has Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground with no duty to retreat (NDCC §12.1-05-07). Civil immunity provisions.
NDCC §12.1-05-07; NRA-ILA
+2
Death penalty procedural safeguards
ND abolished death penalty in 1973. Robust victim restitution programs. LWOP available. Funded victim services.
DPIC; NDCC
+2
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
ND suicide rate significantly above national average (~20/100K vs ~14 national). Rural isolation and oilfield worker population contribute. Some funded prevention programs but outcomes poor.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP ND
-1
911/emergency response time adequacy
Urban areas (Fargo, Bismarck) meet standards. Vast rural areas face extended response times due to geography and low population density.
NFPA; ND EMS
0
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
ND has funded opioid response with PDMP operational. Low volume but fentanyl emerging as I-94 corridor threat. Stable outcomes.
SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; ND Board of Pharmacy
+1
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
ND has significant veteran population per capita. Fargo VA operational. Some state veteran programs supplement federal VA. Standard support.
VA SAIL; ND DVA
+1
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
ND Department of Health food safety meets basic standards. Small state with manageable inspection load. No major outbreaks.
FDA Conformance; ND DOH
+1
Workplace fatality rate
ND workplace fatality rate elevated (~6-8/100K FTE) due to oil extraction and agriculture industries. Above national average.
BLS CFOI
-1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
ND has DV programs and Council on Abused Women's Services. Rate near national average. Adequate shelter capacity for population.
NNEDV; ND CAWS
+1
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
ND DOCR in-custody death rate near or below national average. No active DOJ investigations. Small prison population.
BJS Mortality; ND DOCR
+1
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
ND meets most EPA NAAQS. Oil production creates some environmental concerns (flaring, water contamination risk) but air quality generally good.
EPA Green Book; ND DEQ
+1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
ND traffic fatality rate approximately 1.5-1.7/100M VMT — above national average due to rural high-speed roads, oil truck traffic, and harsh weather.
NHTSA FARS; ND DOT
-1
Sanctity of life legislative framework
Near-total abortion ban (HB 1456) upheld by ND Supreme Court in 2024. Exceptions only for life of mother, rape/incest (first 6 weeks). Clinic safety regulations. Informed consent. Strong pro-life framework.
HB 1456; ND Supreme Court; Guttmacher
+3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
ND homelessness increased to ~860. Created Commissioner of Recovery and Re-entry.
ND Monitor 2025-09-08
0
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
ND growing due to oil/gas. $464M construction projects. No closures.
governor.nd.gov budget
0
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
Signed HB 1303 enforcing sanctuary city penalties. Budget includes public safety investments.
Ballotpedia; Armstrong priorities
+1
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Signed trio of bills to reduce recidivism through reentry. Created Commissioner of Recovery and Re-entry.
Bismarck Tribune
+1
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Signed one-gender bathroom policy for K-12 (May 2025). Requires parental notification.
ND Monitor 2025-05-01
+2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
Created Commissioner of Recovery and Re-entry. $100M for psychiatric treatment. $464M new state hospital.
governor.nd.gov; Bismarck Tribune
+2

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (I-X); 14th Amendment
Score: 45 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
ND enacted constitutional/permitless carry (HB 1169, 2017, maintained by Armstrong). Strong preemption.
NDCC §62.1-04-01 et seq.; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No restrictions beyond federal law. No assault weapons ban. 2A sanctuary legislation enacted.
NDCC; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions. Preemption of local ordinances.
NDCC; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process protections
No ERPO/red flag law. Relies on existing due process mechanisms.
NDCC; ERPO tracker
+3
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
ND enacted campus free speech legislation (HB 1503, 2019) protecting expression at public universities and banning free speech zones.
HB 1503; FIRE rankings
+2
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
ND has limited anti-SLAPP protections. Common law provides some defense but no comprehensive statute.
ND statutes; Public Participation Project
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
ND has RFRA-equivalent protections (NDCC §22-05) and strong constitutional religious liberty provisions. No documented state actions penalizing religious exercise.
NDCC §22-05; Becket Fund
+2
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
ND relies primarily on federal Carpenter standard without significant state electronic privacy enhancements.
ND statutes; EFF
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
ND has some forfeiture reform with elevated burden of proof requirements. Criminal conviction not fully required for all seizures.
NDCC §29-31.1; IJ Policing for Profit
+1
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
ND enacted strong post-Kelo reform through constitutional amendment (Measure 2, 2006) prohibiting takings for economic development.
ND Constitution Art. I §16; Castle Coalition
+2
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
Property tax elimination for 50K households demonstrates commitment to property rights. Business-friendly regulatory environment with streamlined permitting.
ND OMB; state permitting
+2
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
Armstrong took strong stance during federal shutdown (state-funded SNAP, Bank of ND loans). Former US Representative with strong federalism record.
ND Governor's Office; federal shutdown response
+2
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
ND uses race-neutral contracting. SFFA-compliant admissions at state universities. Standard nondiscrimination enforcement.
ND procurement; NDUS admissions
+2
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
ND has state preemption of local firearms laws. Uniform firearms regulations statewide.
NDCC §62.1-01-03; NRA-ILA
+2
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
ND open records law compliance adequate. Short tenure limits full assessment. Governor's office accessible.
ND open records law; RCFP
+1
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
ND has state public defender system. Caseloads moderate given small population. Funding adequate but not exemplary.
Sixth Amendment Center; ND PD Commission
0
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
ND has implemented some pretrial reform. Cash bail used with standard provisions. Reasonable system.
Pretrial Justice Institute; ND Courts
+1
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
ND ranks among lowest regulatory burden states. No income tax (eliminated corporate, reducing personal). Property tax reform demonstrates economic freedom commitment.
Mercatus RegData; Tax Foundation
+2
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
ND AG defends state pro-2A laws. Armstrong's congressional record strongly pro-2A. AG files supportive amicus briefs.
ND AG filings; Armstrong congressional record
+2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
No active compelled speech laws. No specific anti-compelled-speech protections beyond general 1A principles.
ND statutes; FIRE
+1
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
Generally open interstate commerce. Some licensing restrictions. Agricultural trade relatively open.
IJ licensing; state reciprocity
+1
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
Some licensing reform. Military spouse expedited licensing enacted. Average licensing burden for a small state.
IJ License to Work; NCSL
+1
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
NDPERS funded at 68.3% — below adequate threshold. Legislature injected $200M. New DC tier for new employees. ARC payments made. Bond ratings strong (Aa1).
NDPERS actuarial; Moody's
+1
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
Standard jury access. Small state court system functioning. No documented access crises.
ND Courts annual report; NCSC
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
Full ICE cooperation. No sanctuary policies. E-Verify for public employers. No DL for illegals. No in-state tuition. No non-citizen voting. Low illegal immigration population.
FAIR; ICE data; NDCC
+2
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
Pro-law enforcement. Signed sanctuary city penalty bill.
Armstrong priorities; HB 1303
+1
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
ND has no voter registration but requires voter ID. Signed bill banning ranked choice voting.
ND SOS; governor.nd.gov
+1
Non-citizen voting prevention
ND voter ID system flags non-citizens. Provisional ballot requires citizenship confirmation.
ND SOS; ND Monitor
+1
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Opposes transgender students on mismatched teams. Signed K-12 bathroom policy.
ND Monitor 2025-05-01
+2

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer, Pierce, Troxel, Yoder, Parham; 14th Amendment
Score: 30 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
ND has parental rights provisions in education and medical contexts. No comprehensive Parental Bill of Rights statute but general common law protections respected.
NDCC; NCSL tracker
+1
Education choice — school choice programs
Armstrong's $44.3M Education Savings Accounts program enacted — expanding parental choice. Open enrollment. Charter sector limited in ND.
EdChoice; ND DOE; ESA legislation
+2
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
Parental consent required for medical procedures on minors. ND maintains restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.
NDCC; minor consent statutes
+2
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
ND restricts gender-transition medical procedures for minors. Hormones, puberty blockers, and surgeries restricted.
ND legislation; Reuters tracker
+2
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
ND child maltreatment rate near national average. Small population creates statistical volatility. CPS programs functioning.
ACF NCANDS; ND DHS
+1
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
ND foster care system performs near average on CFSR metrics. Small caseloads facilitate oversight.
ACF CFSR; ND DHS
+1
Foster care — permanency outcomes
Permanency timelines adequate for small state. Reunification rates near average. HB 1549 improves re-entry services for parents.
ACF AFCARS; HB 1549
+1
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
ND participates in ICAC. AG enforcement active. Trafficking risk moderate — oil boom areas and tribal reservations have elevated risk.
Polaris; ICAC; ND AG
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
ND 4th grade NAEP reading ~34% proficient (2022) — slightly above national average, within adequate range.
NCES NAEP 2022
+1
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
ND 8th grade NAEP math ~36% proficient (2022) — above national average, within strong range.
NCES NAEP 2022
+2
Parental curriculum transparency
Parents can access curriculum materials on request. Standard opt-out provisions. No comprehensive statutory transparency mandate.
ND DOE policies
+1
Social media — minor protections
Armstrong signed cell phone ban in K-12 schools — protecting children from social media distraction and harm during school hours.
ND school cell phone ban; NCSL
+2
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
ND juvenile jurisdiction to 18. Standard framework with limited mandatory transfer for violent offenses. Small juvenile population.
OJJDP ND; ND DJS
+1
Child poverty rate and state response
ND child poverty rate approximately 10-12% — below national average. Strong economy and low unemployment support families.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
+2
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
Standard adoption framework. Subsidized adoption available. Small state with manageable caseloads.
ACF AFCARS; ND DHS
+1
Homeschool rights and protections
ND has moderate homeschool framework — notification required with annual testing or portfolio assessment. Diploma recognition. Generally favorable.
HSLDA ND; NDCC §15.1-23
+2
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
ICAC participation. AG enforcement. Small state with manageable enforcement load. Standard performance.
ICAC; NCMEC; ND AG
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
Standard school safety programs. SRO availability varies by district size. Emergency planning in place.
NASRO; ND DPI
+1
Children's mental health services access
ND faces rural mental health access challenges. School counselor ratio approximately 500-600:1. Limited child psychiatry resources, especially in western ND.
ASCA; ND DHS behavioral health
0
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
ND allows religious and philosophical exemptions to vaccination. Informed consent. Parental choice respected.
NCSL vaccination; NDCC §23-07-17.1
+2
Child care affordability and access
Child care access is a challenge in rural ND. Child care deserts in many western counties. Subsidy at moderate FPL level.
ACF CCDF; Center for American Progress
0
Education — teacher quality and retention
ND teacher salaries below regional average. Vacancy rates moderate. Retention challenges in rural areas. Oil economy competes for workforce.
NCES; NEA salary rankings; ND DPI
0
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
ND child food insecurity approximately 10-13%. Below national average. School meal participation adequate.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
+1
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
Standard due process framework. Statutory criteria for removal. Appointed counsel available. Small caseloads facilitate oversight.
NDCC; ABA Center on Children
+1
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
ND generally meets IDEA requirements. OSEP determinations adequate. Small state facilitates compliance.
OSEP; ND DPI SPED
+1

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath; Art. IV Sec. 4; state constitutions
Score: 63 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
Inherited $1.3B surplus. Budget balanced for 2025-27 biennium. Oil revenue volatility is structural risk. Conservative fiscal approach.
ND OMB; NASBO
+2
State credit rating stability
Moody's Aa1 stable (second-highest). Cited substantial reserves and responsible management. Not AAA due to oil dependence.
Moody's June 2025
+2
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
$12B Legacy Fund + $914M Budget Stabilization Fund + $1.3B general fund surplus. Among highest reserves per capita nationally.
ND State Treasurer; Pew
+3
Pension system funding responsibility
NDPERS at 68.3% funded with $1.9B unfunded liability. Legislature injected $200M. New DC tier launched Jan 2025. Improving but below adequate threshold.
NDPERS actuarial; ND Legislature
+1
State debt burden
Low debt relative to reserves. $464M construction bonding is measured. Oil revenues reduce borrowing needs. Below national median per capita.
ND State Treasurer; Statista
+2
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
ND has above-average state employee headcount per capita (small population requires baseline staffing). Stable.
Census Public Employment; BLS
0
Inspector General / state auditor independence
State Auditor operates independently. Armstrong directed performance audit of Development Fund to address prior self-dealing concerns. Responsive to oversight.
ND State Auditor; SB 2396
+2
Ethics violations and personal scandals
Zero ethics complaints. Clean personal record. Short tenure. Former US Representative with clean congressional record.
ND Ethics Commission; congressional record
+2
Executive order restraint
Limited EOs in short tenure — consistent with legitimate administrative function. None challenged.
ND EO database
+2
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
Federal shutdown response demonstrated appropriate use of executive authority within statutory bounds (state SNAP funding, Bank of ND loan coordination).
ND emergency statutes; Governor's Office
+2
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Generally cooperative relationship with R supermajority legislature. Too early for meaningful override rate. Major bills (property tax, ESA) passed cooperatively.
ND Legislature records
+2
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Short tenure. Follows established appointment process. No documented issues.
ND judicial appointment process
+2
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Early legislation (property tax, ESA, cell phone ban, insulin cap) implemented on schedule. Strong execution record in first months.
ND agency implementation records
+2
Federal fund utilization — grant management
Federal grants managed within compliance. ND received $1.9B IIJA highway funding. Innovative federal shutdown response protected federal fund recipients.
ND Single Audit; USASpending
+2
Public approval as competence indicator
Won election with strong margin. Early approval ratings positive. Too early for comprehensive polling data.
ND election results; early polling
+2
State IT security and data protection
ND ITD maintains cybersecurity program. Standard protections in place. No major breaches documented.
NASCIO; ND ITD
+1
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
$464M construction bonding in budget for capital projects. Oil-damaged roads receiving investment. Execution in early stages.
ASCE ND; ND DOT
+2
Disaster fund readiness
ND has emergency funding capacity but no large dedicated disaster fund separate from general reserves. Legacy Fund provides backstop.
FEMA BRIC; ND DES
+1
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
Low unemployment (2.5%). UI trust fund solvent. Small claims volume limits fraud risk. Standard performance.
DOL UI Data; ND Job Service
+2
Medicaid program integrity
Medicaid expansion adopted by ballot (2017). Standard integrity program. Error rates near national average. 56,000+ recipients.
CMS PERM; ND DHS
+1
Election administration — constitutional compliance
ND is unique — no voter registration required (only state). Voter ID required (approved by SCOTUS in Brakebill v. Jaeger). No formal audit trail requirement beyond standard.
ND SOS; EAC EAVS
+1
Transparency — state budget accessibility
ND OMB Financial Transparency portal provides ACFR and budget data. Open data functional. Budget documents accessible.
ND OMB portal; U.S. PIRG
+2
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
Federal shutdown response demonstrated balanced approach — supported federal workers while asserting state sovereignty. Former congressional experience informs intergovernmental relations.
ND Governor's Office; NGA
+2
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
LG Tammy Miller confirmed. Succession clear. COOP plan maintained.
ND Constitution; ND DES
+1
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
Standard procurement controls. Armstrong hired new Commerce Commissioner to address prior Development Fund self-dealing. Proactive anti-corruption posture.
ND OMB procurement; State Auditor
+2
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
ND major oil/gas producer. Low gas prices. No cap-and-trade.
ND Tax Commissioner
+2
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
ND has low energy costs from oil and gas. No aggressive mandates.
Armstrong State of the State
+1
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
No forced green mandates. All-of-the-above approach centered on fossil fuels.
governor.nd.gov; State of State
+2
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Flagship: path to zero property taxes within a decade. $1,550/year relief in 2025-27. 3% cap on local increases.
governor.nd.gov State of State 2025-01-07
+3
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
ND business-friendly. No new regulatory burdens.
governor.nd.gov budget
+1
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
Property tax reform includes 3% cap on local budget increases.
governor.nd.gov State of State
+1
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
ND cost of living favorable. Property tax path to zero. $105M for housing. Insulin cap $25/month.
governor.nd.gov; ND Monitor
+2
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Signed HB 1303 enforcing sanctuary city penalties. Proactive stance.
Ballotpedia; HB 1303
+2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
ND homelessness small (860 PIT). Recovery Commissioner created but no spending framework.
ND Monitor 2025-09-08
0
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
Minimal encampment issue in ND due to climate and small population.
General ND context
0
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
ND growing due to oil/gas economy. Growth moderate, driven by energy sector.
ND population data
+1
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
No business exodus. Energy sector strong. Business-friendly environment.
ND economic data
+1
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
No specific actions on DA accountability.
No relevant findings
0
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Unique no-registration voter ID system. Signed bill banning ranked choice voting.
ND SOS; governor.nd.gov
+1
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No evidence of weaponization. Rescinded 151 outdated executive orders.
DRGNews 2025-10-08
+1
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
ND national leader in restricting Chinese land near military bases. SB 2026 strengthening restrictions.
US News; KFYR; knoxradio.com
+2
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