North Dakota Governor Talks Oil, Budget, and Election Integrity

In a recent interview, Gov. Kelly Armstrong discusses the state's energy industry, fiscal challenges, and voting systems.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:06am

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In a wide-ranging interview, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong discussed the current state of the oil industry, the impact of lower oil and agricultural prices on the state budget, and the state's approach to election integrity. Armstrong highlighted North Dakota's resilience in the energy sector, the need to right-size government spending, and the state's trusted voting systems as potential models for the rest of the country.

Why it matters

As one of the top oil-producing states, North Dakota's economic fortunes are closely tied to global energy markets. The governor's insights on the industry, state finances, and election processes provide important context for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the state.

The details

Governor Armstrong noted that while temporary spikes in oil prices due to global conflicts don't significantly alter production plans, the state budget will not have the $1.5 billion ending fund balance it has seen in recent years. However, he said the state is not in a position where it needs to consider allotments. Armstrong also discussed the state's efforts to help farmers facing rising debt loads, including utilizing the Bank of North Dakota's loan programs. On election integrity, the governor touted North Dakota's state ID law, citizenship requirements, and trusted vote-by-mail system as potential models for other states.

  • The interview with Governor Armstrong took place in March 2026.

The players

Kelly Armstrong

The governor of North Dakota, with extensive experience in the state's oil and gas industry.

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What they’re saying

“We are in an armed conflict in the Middle East… and because of places like North Dakota we've been pretty resilient from that in recent years. But when things escalate—like with Iran right now—it really lays bare how important it is to do the things we're doing in North Dakota… making sure the U.S. is one of the only countries in the world that's food and energy secure.”

— Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota

“What anybody from an energy-producing state wants is free market, no manipulation—real prices on oil… If we're a victim of our own success with enhanced oil recovery, Bakken, Permian, Eagleford, Powder River—God bless the energy producers who go out and risk their capital to do that.”

— Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota

“We have an opportunity to right-size government a little bit—stop that upward trajectory that has occurred over the last 20 years… and come in with a responsible budget that still delivers the services North Dakotans need. But it's OK to just say, you know what, let's take care of what we have for a couple of years and not continue this growth.”

— Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota

What’s next

The governor indicated that the state will be exploring additional options to help farmers facing financial challenges, including utilizing the Bank of North Dakota's loan programs.

The takeaway

North Dakota's governor has a deep understanding of the state's energy industry and the fiscal challenges facing the state. His emphasis on maintaining a responsible budget, supporting the agricultural sector, and upholding election integrity suggests a pragmatic approach to governing during tough economic times.