North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has terminated his 2024 presidential campaign, citing challenges meeting Republican National Committee debate requirements.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum ended his bid for the 2024 presidential nomination, pointing to the stringent criteria set by the Republican National Committee (RNC) for debate qualification. Burgum, a second-term governor and wealthy software entrepreneur, withdrew just ahead of the RNC’s announcement of candidates qualifying for the upcoming debate in Alabama.

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Burgum blamed the RNC’s debate qualifications, which include polling and donor requirements, for hindering his ability to resonate in the race. He asserted that the criteria favored candidates from major media markets on the coasts over those from America’s Heartland, lamenting the impact on democratic engagement in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Gov. Doug Burgum (x/@officer_lew)

The governor, who emphasized priorities like energy, the economy, and national security during his campaign, criticized the RNC’s mission, stating that it should focus on winning elections rather than narrowing the field prematurely.

Despite initially participating in the first two Republican debates, Burgum struggled to gain traction against rivals, including former President Donald Trump. He utilized a unique fundraising approach, offering $20 “Biden Relief Cards” for $1 donations, drawing legal scrutiny.

Burgum’s departure reduces the field of Republican candidates to six, including Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.

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Reflecting on his campaign, Burgum highlighted its impact on shifting conversations around intelligent energy policy and addressing global economic challenges. He thanked supporters and communities encountered during the journey but expressed concern about the primary process, emphasizing strengthened trust in America.

As Burgum exits the 2024 presidential race, the focus remains on the remaining candidates vying for the Republican nomination in a landscape dominated by issues such as the economy, energy, and national security.