Michelle Strinden

Michelle Strinden (née Strecker; born 1968/69) is an American politician who has served as the 40th lieutenant governor of North Dakota since 2024, having been elected in 2024, on a ticket with U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong, the candidate for governor. She served as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from the 41st district. Elected in November 2018, she assumed office on December 1, 2018 serving until 2024.

Early life and education Strinden was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota to George and Betty Lou (Hafner) Strecker. She graduated from Bismarck Century High School in 1987. During her studies at the University of North Dakota, she worked on her future father-in-law Earl Strinden's campaign for the U.S. Senate election in 1988. Strinden is an advocate for school choice.

In the 2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election, U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong chose Strinden as his running mate, both winning the endorsement of the state Republican Party. They won the Republican primary on June 11, defeating lieutenant governor Tammy Miller and commerce commissioner Josh Teigen.

During her tenure as Lt. Governor, she and Armstrong stated that one of their goals was to make North Dakota the most military friendly state in the country, working alongside state agencies to accomplish this goal. Additionally, Strinden stated that in her role, she would prioritize family time for herself and her staff.