Burgum, who is serving his second term as the sparsely populated
state's top official, is expected to launch his campaign with an
announcement on June 7 in Fargo, the state capital, the person
said. The governor's office declined to comment.
Burgum, 66, built a successful software business before selling
it to Microsoft Corp in 2001. A proponent of low taxes and fewer
regulations, he will likely seek to portray himself as a
traditional conservative who will focus on the economy and
national security, the person familiar with his plans said.
Jeanette Hoffman, a Republican political consultant, described
Burgum as a long shot for the nomination, but said he has a
compelling personal story and represents a steady hand who could
appeal to those tired of the chaos of Trump.
"Right now, GOP primary voters are like 'who?'" she said. "But
this could be an open field and he has a story to tell."
An expanding field of Republicans is vying for the chance to
take on President Joe Biden, who is expected to win the
Democratic nomination for a second term but is seen as
vulnerable amid economic headwinds and low approval ratings.
Reuters/Ipsos polling conducted May 9-15 showed that Trump is
backed by 49% of Republicans, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
in a distant second place at 19%. They were followed by former
Vice President Mike Pence at 5% and former South Carolina
Governor Nikki Haley at 4%, the poll showed.
Burgum won re-election easily in 2020 with more than two thirds
of the vote. Last month he signed one of the strictest
anti-abortion laws in the country, joining a conservative push
to limit access to the procedure in many states. He also signed
into law the largest income tax cut in state history.
(Reporting by Nathan Layne in Wilton, Connecticut, and Jason
Lange in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler)
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