Hennen: Burgum is out. Who will be our 34th governor?

The political winds in North Dakota have shifted mightily. Gov. Doug Burgum’s decision to not seek a third term was a bombshell.

Burgum smartly became the first of the fellow GOP candidates for president to endorse Donald Trump. That decision thrust him back onto the national stage. He and first lady Kathryn Burgum literally shared the stage for Trump’s Iowa victory and New Hampshire stump speeches. This led to talk of “Burgum for VP,” which my sources tell me is coming from the former president’s inner circle of business icons. Trump himself said he hoped to have the governor join his administration.

Of course, Trump has to defeat President Joe Biden or whoever the Democratic Party nominee is. But that’s why Burgum decided to give up a slam-dunk re-election and go all in to help Trump return to the White House. This will be a race for the ages. Defeating Biden is a matter of grave importance for our state.

The Republican Party is well-positioned with a bevy of good candidates to meet the moment. Here’s my take on four of those who want to be our 34th governor.

• Rep. Kelly Armstrong. “I miss the people in North Dakota,” he told me. “We decided that we’ve been fighting D.C. and the federal government, we’ve been fighting the two-tiered justice system, defending Donald Trump under two impeachments. We’ve been in the middle of every fight for the last five years in D.C. We just kind of decided it’s time to bring that fight home.” Armstrong has been elected on a statewide ballot three times, has been a longtime party insider, and has access to sizable campaign cash, which puts him as the front-runner.
• Tom Campbell. He was the first to announce his intention to run, even before Burgum’s decision. He has spent 46 years in farming, banking and other business ventures, plus six years in the state Senate. Campbell launched campaigns for the U.S. House and Senate in past cycles. “I will visit the top 244 cities of ND with population of 100 or more” he told me. “No one will out work my love for North Dakota,” he said, adding “I will be the best CEO North Dakota has ever had.” Campbell has pledged to spend at least $1 million of his personal wealth on his campaign.
• Tammy Miller. She had a distinguished career in business as CEO of Border States. She was a top aide to Burgum before replacing Brent Sanford as lieutenant governor. She is seriously considering entering the race and likely would have the financial backing of the Burgum campaign apparatus.
• Julie Fedorchak. Her experience in Gov. Ed Schafer’s administration, on the Public Service Commission and having successfully won multiple times on the statewide ballot, would make her a solid candidate as well. “I would put my experience, passion, record and work ethic against any of the other candidates and let our incredible North Dakota decide.”

For political junkies like me, 2024 is going to be fascinating to follow.