North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum announced on Monday morning that he is suspending his presidential campaign ahead of the fourth Republican primary debate. The governor’s longshot bid, initially bolstered by a gift card donation gimmick, suffered from his limited name recognition in the long run, leading to his exclusion from the third debate in November.
“We launched our campaign on June 7 clear-eyed about our mission: bring a business leader and proven governor’s voice to fight for the best of America,” a statement from Burgum’s campaign read. “We remain committed to improving the lives of every American by moving America 180 degrees in the opposite direction of Joe Biden on three critical issues — the economy, energy, and national security.”
However, as Burgum continued in a separate post, “Today, we have made the decision to suspend our campaign for president of the United States.”
We launched our campaign with a clear-eyed mission: Bring a business leader and proven governor’s voice to fight for the best of America. We will always remain committed to fighting for that, and for the people who make our nation so exceptional. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ugSM7SysxS
— Doug Burgum (Text "DOUG" to 70177) (@DougBurgum) December 4, 2023
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Burgum, a wealthy software engineer serving his second term as governor of North Dakota, launched his campaign this summer on a platform of small-town values, economic growth, and national security. Through a program offering $20 “Biden Relief” gift cards in exchange for every one-dollar donation — the legality of which was questioned by outside sources — Burgum was able to secure a spot on-stage at the first two Republican debates in Wisconsin and California.
However, the governor’s momentum declined later in the year as the Republican National Committee tightened its participation requirements. Burgum was unable to appear onstage at the third debate in Florida and was unlikely to qualify for the upcoming fourth debate in Alabama.
(Related: Donald Trump to Skip Tuscaloosa Debate)
After failing to qualify for the third debate, Burgum pledged to stay in the race until the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries next year — even though his polling in both states was less than 2 percent.
In total, Burgum personally put up $12.2 million of the $15.1 million raised by his presidential campaign, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Burgum now joins South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former Vice President Mike Pence, radio host Larry Elder, businessman Perry Johnson, former Texas Congressman Will Hurd, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez in suspending his bid.
The governor gave no indication of when or if he plans to endorse another candidate in the Republican primary race.
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