SCOOP: Gov. Kelly Armstrong wins big in North Dakota primaries
Gov. Kelly Armstrong had a highly successful endorsement record in the North Dakota primaries, with his preferred candidates winning across the state. The election also suggested that opposition to data centers was not a decisive factor for voters, as pro-data center candidates won Public Service Commission seats.
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong demonstrated significant political influence in the state's recent primaries, successfully endorsing 19 of 20 candidates and achieving a 95% success rate. Armstrong, who was not up for reelection, provided approximately $200,000 in campaign funds to his aligned Republicans, who ran for various offices including superintendent of public instruction, state House and Senate, and the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The election outcomes also provided insights into public sentiment regarding data centers. The article notes that anger against data centers did not prove sufficient to propel candidates to victory in North Dakota. Both winning PSC candidates were characterized as pro-data center, with one specifically defeating an opponent whose campaign largely focused on opposing data center development.