Dakota ,” he says . “ The states ’ governors have standing , and governors win fights for their states in D . C .”
Gov . Armstrong led his first cabinet meeting in mid-December .
Advice for Young Lawyers
have the ability to save lives and kids ’ futures , but you don ’ t get to do that a lot in politics . We have the ability to make changes and do some of these things ,” Armstrong says .
Property tax reform is also a key focus of the governor this session . “ This will be a fight , there are a lot of different issues and different ideas ,” he notes . “ I am a legislator at heart , and I feel like that is one of my biggest strengths , but I feel like I am missing out every day on committee work . I want to be there doing policy work , but I realize my job is different now .”
Armstrong says he was humbled to be sworn in as North Dakota ’ s governor . “ I don ’ t know if I was emotionally ready for the difference in being the state ’ s lone congressman and the governor . Now , I have to make decisions that impact North Dakotans every day .”
Legislative Focus
With the 69th North Dakota Legislature in session , one of Armstrong ’ s focus areas is addressing prison overcrowding . “ We need immediate relief , and I have released some proposals that will provide relief as of July 1 of this year and for sure by July 1 , 2026 ,” he notes . “ I don ’ t want to see the continued use of the criminal system as a treatment center . I want to work to reduce recidivism , increase workforce , and make communities safer .”
The governor is also proposing significant funding for behavior health services , increasing youth crisis and intervention funding , expanding the Substance Use Disorder voucher program , and providing rural crisis support . “ In the criminal justice space , you
Armstrong encourages all young lawyers to gain experience in the courtroom . “ No matter what kind of law you practice , figure out how to get in the courtroom . Having really good lawyers is good . Having really good lawyers who understand the courtroom is better .”
He also notes lawyers should explore other areas of law to gain understanding . “ Get out of your comfort zone and you will be better .”
Back Home
Armstrong says he is grateful for his early years of practicing law in the state and to be back in North Dakota . “ I was sent on the road when I joined the firm in Grand Forks , and I got to know a lot of people in a lot of places ,” he notes . “ Now , if I walk into a bar in North Dakota , I know someone . I got to know a lot of people in a lot of different communities .”
He said serving as governor also affords him more time with his family in North Dakota . “ From a personal standpoint , I missed every one of my son ’ s football games this fall ,” he continues . “ My commute is a lot better now .”
In his free time back at home , he is looking forward to time spent on Lake Sakakawea , hunting , and taking in Legion baseball games . “ When you have a 17- and 14-year-old , your side hustle is the same ,” Armstrong notes . “ I am looking forward to being there . Being home with my family has meant a lot .”
Gov . Armstrong pictured with a team of students from Century High School , Bismarck , at the We The People competition held in January .
“ Even when I was in Congress , I went to D . C . because I had to ,” he continues . “ If I could be on gravel roads the rest of my life , I would be the happiest man alive .”
8 THE GAVEL