N.D. Governor’s run appears imminent for Tom Campbell
Steve Hallstrom
Special to The Farmer
There may soon be one announced Republican candidate for governor in 2024, but it may not be the incumbent.
Former North Dakota State Senator, and businessman, Tom Campbell tells KTGO Radio that he is strongly considering a run for governor.
Campbell, a Republican who served in the North Dakota Senate representing District 19 from 2013 through 2018, has not officially announced his intent to run, but tells KTGO Radio, “I’m seriously contemplating it more and more all the time. I’m getting real close, maybe announce something the first week of February. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do…(An old friend) gave me a little lecture years ago and he said if you’re going to wait; that’s the problem with our country, too many people wait and if everyone was like you and waited we wouldn’t have a country to live in.”
The incumbent governor, Republican Doug Burgum, has not announced if he will run for a third term. He maintained his position as governor in 2023 despite spending most of the year seeking the Republican nomination for President. He suspended his campaign on Monday, Dec. 4, amid tepid polling numbers and failing to qualify for the upcoming televised Republican primary debates. There has been wide speculation that Burgum may be interested in future endeavors that will raise his national profile more than another term in North Dakota.
Campbell, a Grafton native, says his decision will not be based on whether Burgum seeks an additional term or not. “Eight years is enough, let’s move on. He’s done the presidential thing...he bought the governor’s seat in essence, and he tried to buy the presidential seat which failed.”
For the full story, visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!