Doug Burgum.Photo:Stephen Yang/Getty Images
Stephen Yang/Getty Images
North Dakota Gov.Doug Burgumis suspending his presidential campaign, with the Republican making the announcement in a statement released Monday morning, saying he had not met the polling threshold required for him to participate in the next debate.
In the statement, Burgum, 67, slammed the Republican National Committee’s debate requirements, asserting that they “are nationalizing the primary process and taking the power of democracy away from the engaged, thoughtful citizens of Iowa and New Hampshire.”
Burgumlaunched his 2024 presidential campaignin June, making his case for the Republican nominationin aWall Street Journalop-ed.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum in April 2020.Mike McCleary/The Bismarck Tribune via AP
Mike McCleary/The Bismarck Tribune via AP
In launching his campaign, Burgum joined a crowded Republican field of candidates that included former PresidentDonald Trump, Florida Gov.Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov.Chris Christieand former South Carolina Gov.Nikki Haley.
Other Republicans were at one time in the running — former Vice PresidentMike Pence, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, former Rep.Will Hurdand Sen.Tim Scott— have suspended their campaigns.
Burgum has not yet endorsed anyone in the 2024 race since withdrawing.
During his time in the governor’s office, Burgum has signed a number of controversial measures, including a bill that wouldban nearly every abortionin North Dakota, only allowing slim exceptions (such as cases of rape or incest) at up to six weeks’ gestation.
Burgum also signed into law a number of anti-trans measures, including a bill thatcriminalizes trans healthcare for minorsand another that allows public school teachers to misgender transgender students and colleagues (that bill also prohibits transgender studentsfrom using school restroomsand locker rooms consistent with their gender identity).
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In 2020, however, Burgumcriticized the Republican Party’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, calling the rhetoric behind some of the party’s policy statements “hurtful and divisive.”
source: people.com
