Election 2024: Doug Burgum Candidate Profile

By Callie Krosin

Doug Burgum entered the 2024 race on June 7. Burgum, a republican Governor of North Dakota, is also a former software company CEO.

In his campaign announcement, Burgum describes a “kid from a small town, that’s America.” 

According to CNBC, Burgum called for a “leader who’s clearly focused on three things, economy, energy, and national security,” at the launch event for his campaign in Fargo, North Dakota.

This year, Burgum signed a bill into law that restricts transgender health care in North Dakota, immediately making it a crime to give gender-affirming care to people younger than 18. He also adopted a strict anti-abortion law by signing legislation to ban the procedure throughout pregnancy, with slim exceptions. 

Burgum’s campaign is financed in part by his software company, which sold to Microsoft for $1 billion. In order to reach the debate stage, the Burgum campaign has been conducting a giveaway for donating: if you contribute $1, the campaign will mail you a $20 Visa or Mastercard gift card. 

According to recent polling from Rasmussen Reports from August 29 through September 5, Burgum is polling at less than one percent. A September 2 through September 4 Morning Consult poll also reveals less than one percent support.