The Republican presidential primary field is still growing.
Fresh reports indicate another Republican governor is planning to launch his presidential campaign in the coming weeks.
Sources close to two-term North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum told Fox News that the former software company CEO is planning to officially launch his campaign during an event in Fargo on June 7.
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Sources close to Burgum say the governor would likely focus a presidential campaign on two issues — the economy and energy. However, Burgum, who served as chair of the Western Governors Association, could also point to his recent moves as governor to sign into law a strict measure that bans abortions six weeks after gestation with limited exceptions, as well as legislation to restrict transgender rights and a bill making gender-affirming care for minors in the state a criminal offense.
Fargo, where Burgum is expected to make his announcement, is close to his tiny hometown of Arthur and sources with knowledge of the governor’s thinking say “it underscores that a theme of the campaign is that he’s the only candidate from a small town in the heartland and Americans want more small town values. One of his greatest perceived weaknesses is actually his best virtue.”
Despite the North Dakota Gov. being a relatively unknown name compared to others in the race, Burgum would enter the 2024 presidential race as one of the wealthiest members of the Republican field.
Before entering politics, Burgum steered his one-time small business, Great Plains Software, into a $1 billion software company. His business was eventually acquired by Microsoft while Burgum stayed on board as a senior vice president.
Gov. Burgum, who would widely be considered a dark horse candidate, would enter a competitive primary field. Earlier this week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launched his highly anticipated campaign. Former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, tech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson have also launched campaigns against frontrunner Donald Trump.
A fool and his money are soon parted.