BISMARCK – Gov. Kelly Armstrong is encouraging North Dakotans to fly all U.S. and North Dakota flags at half staff from dawn to dusk on the day of burial for Fargo legislator Josh Christy, 43, who died Tuesday.

An updated flag advisory will be sent when funeral arrangements are announced.

“Josh Christy was a passionate advocate for the residents of District 27 and all North Dakotans, a loving husband and doting father to three beautiful daughters, and someone I was honored to call a friend,” Armstrong said.

Christy was first elected to the state House of Representatives in November 2022 and was in Bismarck for the current legislative session at the time of his passing. His wife, Mary Christy, served as constituent services director and state director for Armstrong during his six years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mary Christy is deputy state director for Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak.

“My heart is heavy with the news of Josh’s passing. Mary’s dedication to serving the people of North Dakota is unparalleled, and Josh’s commitment to our state as a public servant will not be forgotten” Fedorchak said.

“Words cannot capture the immense loss we all feel in the Capitol,” said House Minority Leader Zac Ista on behalf of the Democratic-NPL caucus. “We knew Josh to be an independent leader and the foremost technology policy expert in the Legislative Assembly. We will miss his warmth, wit, and candor. That he, a Republican, took time to share his impressive work on artificial intelligence policy with our Democratic-NPL joint caucus earlier this session is emblematic of his character and integrity. So, too, was his decision to give the gift of life to others through organ donation.”

“Josh was more than a legislator. He was a trusted colleague, a dedicated public servant, a true leader in technology and innovation and a personal friend,” said N.D. Chief Information Officer Corey Mock. “Despite this being only his second session, Josh quickly distinguished himself as a thoughtful and practical voice in the legislature. His expertise and passion for technology were unmatched, and his leadership was instrumental in shaping North Dakota’s approach to artificial intelligence. As the driving force behind the state’s inaugural AI Task Force, he helped lay the foundation for North Dakota’s future in emerging technologies.”