North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum (R) announced on Monday that he would not seek a third term as governor, citing progress during his tenure but not giving a reason for his departure.
Today we announced that we will not seek a third term as governor.
Serving as governor and first lady of North Dakota has been one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences of our lives. We are eternally grateful to the citizens for giving us this opportunity. pic.twitter.com/6vOv0Lqgey
— Gov. Doug Burgum (@GovDougBurgum) January 22, 2024
Burgum called his time as governor "incredible" and "rewarding" and said he was "eternally grateful" for the state's citizens allowing him to serve.
He cited "record tax relief" and growth in the agriculture and energy industries along with improvements in infrastructure and education.
"There's never been a better time to live, work, and raise a family in North Dakota," he declared, adding that the state was "extremely well-positioned" for the future.
Burgum was a 2024 presidential candidate until he suspended his race in December 2023 with only about 1% support.
He endorsed former President Donald Trump the day before the Iowa caucuses, the first former candidate to do so.
Trump called him “one of the best governors in our country” and said he hoped Burgum might be “a piece of” his future administration, The Hill reported.
The legislature just passed term limits for governors and legislators in the state, which will apply to the future but Burgum would have been exempted.
He may have decided that he just doesn't want to look hypocritical by supporting term limits for others but not for himself.
He is 67, so he may have just decided to retire. Alternatively, he may want to work in the private sector and make some money before he retires.
Whatever the reason, he has left the race open for someone new to take his place.
North Dakota is a solidly Republican state and there is not much risk of flipping the state, but as always, anything can happen in politics.
It will definitely be an interesting election in 2024 for many reasons.
