Armstrong begins term as ND’s 34th governor | News, Sports, Jobs

Submitted photo Kelly Armstrong, center, surrounded by family members, is sworn in Friday as North Dakota’s 34th governor. Secretary of State Michael Howe, left, took the oath of office. Michelle Strinden, right, was sworn in as lieutenant governor that day.

BISMARCK – Gov. Kelly Armstrong took office Sunday as the 34th governor in North Dakota’s 135-year history, according to information from the governor’s office.

Armstrong was sworn in Friday, joined by his wife, Kjersti Armstrong, their children, Anna and Eli, other family members and outgoing governor and first lady Doug and Kathryn Burgum. Secretary of State Michael Howe administered the oath of office to Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, who was also accompanied by her family.

“Serving the citizens of North Dakota as their 34th governor is the honor of a lifetime. Kjersti and I are deeply touched by this opportunity,” Armstrong said. “After six years representing North Dakota in Congress, it’s good to be home. Let’s get to work.

Armstrong and Strinden will hold their first meeting with the governor’s entire Cabinet on Monday, welcoming agency heads as key leaders of the administration.