Burgum not seeking third term as North Dakota governor

(The Center Square) – North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said Monday he would not seek a third term.

Burgum’s current term expires in December. He was first elected in 2016.

“We’ve made incredible progress these past seven years, from record tax relief and historic investments in infrastructure, education and other priorities, to guiding our state through historic challenges including drought, flooding, the DAPL protests and a global pandemic. We’ve diversified our economy and grown our agriculture and energy industries, revitalized Main Streets and supported healthy, vibrant communities, reinvented government to be more efficient and effective, improved state-tribal relations and helped eliminate the shame and stigma of the disease of addiction while inspiring people to seek recovery,” Burgum said. “There’s never been a better time to live, work and raise a family in North Dakota. Our state is extremely well-positioned for the future thanks to the efforts of everyone on Team North Dakota to empower people, improve lives and inspire success.”

Burgum ran for U.S. president but dropped out of the race in December. He endorsed former president Donald Trump, who hinted at a campaign stop in Iowa that Burgum could become a part of his administration if he is elected.

“There’s no controversy whatsoever,” Trump is quoted as saying in The Hill. “And he’s one of the best governors in our country, and I hope that I’m going to be able to call on him to be a piece of the administration, a very important piece of the administration.”

A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2022 limits the governor to two four-year terms. The amendment does not apply to people currently in office and Burgum could have sought a third term.

By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square