Governors of North Dakota

North Dakota governors have a different set of concerns than governors of other states do. In addition to having the typical duties of helping the state of North Dakota provide a place to meet the hopes and dreams of its more than 700,000 residents, North Dakota governors are tasked with helping to protect the Indigenous people and families of North Dakota.

Who Was North Dakota's First Governor?

John Miller served as the first governor of North Dakota from 1889 to 1891. Miller began a tradition of Republican governors which lasted until 1907. Eli C. D. Shortridge, the state's third governor, was the only non-Republican during this time period; from 1893-1895, the Populist served as governor of the state.

Who Is the Current Governor of North Dakota?

North Dakota's current governor is Doug Burgum. Governor Burgum, the 33rd Governor of North Dakota, took office in 2016 as a member of the Republican Party and continues what has been a typically Republican-leaning state for most of its history. There was one notable run from 1961 to 1981 when Democratic-affiliated governors William L. Guy and Arthur A. Link sat as North Dakota governors for consecutive multiple-term campaigns.

North Dakota governors, in addition to having border issues to deal with, are also charged with safeguarding some of Native America's greatest treasures, cultures, and people. North Dakota governors are also in a position today to make an impact on the state's economic status and the lives of many people. The outlook for North Dakota is good, and with the continued leadership of people like current and former North Dakota governors, North Dakota is a good place to be.