BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong, a third-term Republican congressman and attorney, has won North Dakota’s gubernatorial race, securing the position on Tuesday. Armstrong defeated Democratic state Sen. Merrill Piepkorn to succeed outgoing Gov. Doug Burgum, who opted not to seek a third term.

Armstrong’s victory extends the Republican Party’s long-held control of North Dakota’s governor’s office, which has been held by Republicans since 1992. A Democrat has not won a statewide election in North Dakota since 2012, underscoring the party’s continued stronghold in the state.

Before his time in Congress, Armstrong served as a state senator and as chair of the North Dakota Republican Party.