Trump Secures Endorsement from Former Rival Who Dropped Out of Presidential Race
Editor’s Note: Our readers responded strongly to this story when it originally ran; we’re reposting it here in case you missed it.
A month after he ended his own long-shot campaign for the Republican nomination, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum endorsed Donald Trump ‘s comeback bid for the White House on the eve of the Iowa caucuses.
Burgum appeared on stage Jan. 14 with the former president at a rally in Indianola, where he heaped praise for Trump.
“I’ve had an opportunity to have a front-row seat,” Burgum said. “I’ve seen President Trump and what he’s been able to do. I’ve seen it as a business leader and I’ve seen it as a governor.
“I’ve seen the difference that President Trump can make.”
BREAKING REPORT: Governor of North Dakota Doug Burgum ENDORSES President Trump..
“I’ve had an opportunity to have a front-row seat.”
“I’ve seen President Trump and what he’s been able to do.”
“I’ve seen it as a business leader and I’ve seen it as a governor.”
“I’ve seen… pic.twitter.com/tSh3mDULHr
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) January 14, 2024
The support from Burgum, who did not build a substantial base in his own presidential campaign, unlikely made any difference in the Jan. 15 caucuses, which Trump won by a landslide.
But it reflected the sense of inevitability surrounding Trump’s candidacy.
North Dakota Governor @DougBurgum endorses Donald J. Trump for President! pic.twitter.com/Aogbdnm27L
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 14, 2024
When Burgum dropped out, he blamed his inability to resonate in the race on the Republican National Committee’s strict requirements to qualify for the debate stage.
He qualified for the first two GOP debates with the help of a unique fundraising scheme, offering $20 gift cards in exchange for a $1 donation, so he could juice his number of supporters.
But he could not keep up as more donors were required to make the stage for later debates.
He nearly missed the first debate due to an Achilles tendon injury he suffered while playing basketball with aides the night before.
Burgum largely funded his campaign with his own money.
Before his time as governor, he was largely known as a businessman who led Great Plains Software, which Microsoft acquired for over $1 billion in 2001.
Burgum stayed on as an executive with Microsoft until 2007. He’s led other companies in real estate development and venture capital.
He is in his second term as governor and is eligible to seek a third in 2024, though he hasn’t indicated whether he plans to run again.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
