Senator Tom Campbell Says He's Not Running For Governor, Treasurer Schmidt To Make Announcement

“As I’ve traveled the state, I’ve been encouraged by the positive feedback I’ve received regarding my exploratory committee for governor,” state Senator Tom Campbell said in a press release today.
“But after careful consideration, my family and I have decided now is not the time to join the race. I will continue to fight for strong Republican leadership in our state, and look forward to furthering my work in the North Dakota state senate.”

That was the expected announcement, as I pointed out over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Treasurer Kelly Schmidt tells me that she expects to make an announcement regarding her 2016 campaign intentions.

“I plan to announce my intentions for 2016 later in the week,” she told me.

I asked her if she could give me a hint as to which way she’s leaning, and she gave me a one-word response: “Crickets.”

Schmidt has told me previously that she would run for another term as Treasurer (an office that’s on the ballot next year) if she doesn’t run for governor.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem will be announcing his campaign on November 24, as I reported yesterday.

Fargo businessman Doug Burgum, who has indicated interest previously, hasn’t announced whether or not he’ll seek the NDGOP endorsement.

State Rep. Rick Becker is currently the only NDGOP candidate officially in the race.