ND’s GOP Governor to Run for President

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum Plans to Enter 2024 Presidential Race

According to a person familiar with his plans, North Dakota governor Doug Burgum is gearing up to join the Republican nomination race for the 2024 presidential election. Burgum, who is serving his second term as the state’s top official, is expected to make his announcement on June 7 in Fargo, the state capital.

A Successful Businessman Turned Politician

Burgum, 66, is a former software business owner who sold his company to Microsoft Corp in 2001. He is known for his pro-low taxes and fewer regulations stance. The person familiar with his plans said that Burgum will likely focus on the economy and national security, portraying himself as a traditional conservative.

A Compelling Personal Story

While some consider Burgum a long shot for the nomination, Republican political consultant Jeanette Hoffman believes that he has a compelling personal story that could appeal to those tired of the chaos of Trump. “Right now, GOP primary voters are like ‘who?'” she said. “But this could be an open field and he has a story to tell.”

A Growing Field of Republican Candidates

Burgum is joining an expanding field of Republicans vying for the chance to take on President Joe Biden, who is expected to win the Democratic nomination for a second term. According to Reuters/Ipsos polling conducted from May 9-15, Trump is backed by 49 percent of Republicans, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a distant second place at 19 percent.

A Governor with a Strong Record

Burgum won reelection easily in 2020 with more than two thirds of the vote. Last month, he signed one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country, joining a conservative push to limit access to the procedure in many states. He also signed into law the largest income tax cut in state history.

As the race for the Republican nomination heats up, it will be interesting to see how Burgum’s candidacy develops and whether he can gain traction among voters.