Former State Senator Tom Campbell to run for Governor

(Fargo, ND) — Former candidate for US Senate and North Dakota State Senator, Tom Campbell, will be running for Governor.

Campbell, a businessman, confirmed to WDAY Radio News that an official announcement will be coming “in the next two weeks.”

Campbell left the state senate to pursue a Congressional run but lost in the Republican primary to Kelly Armstrong in June of 2018.

He says the ongoing mental health crisis, homelessness, and property taxes would be key issues for him in his campaign for governor.

He says property taxes is the number one hot button issue “by far,” but as a banker for many years, he does not support the current petition to end property taxes in North Dakota being led by former State Representative Rick Becker. 

Campbell’s announcement comes days before current Governor Doug Burgum presents his State of the State Address in Dickinson.

Burgum has not announced whether or not he will run for a third term. Campbell previously said Burgum’s decision whether or not to run would not affect his announcement.

"Eight years is enough, let's move on,” Campbell said. “He's done the presidential thing...he bought the governor's seat in essence, and he tried to buy the presidential seat which failed."

No other candidates have announced a run for Governor.