Doug Burgum

In Office

Governor

Republican

Conservative

Energy Industry

Politician

Doug Burgum, born in 1956, is the 33rd Governor of North Dakota, serving since 2016 after defeating the incumbent Democrat and winning re-election in 2020. A self-made entrepreneur, he founded Great Plains Software in 1983, scaling it into a leading firm sold to Microsoft for $1.1 billion in 2001. Burgum later pursued venture capital and philanthropy in Fargo. His governorship emphasizes economic growth, energy production, and innovation. In 2023, he launched a Republican presidential campaign, suspending it in December after debate qualification struggles, then endorsed Donald Trump and stumped as a 2024 VP shortlister.

/ 100

Mixed

Independence Score

Energy Industry Conflict

Has direct financial ties to the energy industry while making energy policy.

Says vs Does

What they claim vs what their actions show

🗣️ SAYS THEY ARE

Pragmatic conservative Republican

⚡ ACTUALLY ALIGNS

Energy industry and business interests

🎯 Primary Loyalties (Ranked)

Oil and gas industry
North Dakota businesses
Republican Party
State economy

📋 Actions That Prove It

✓Signed Senate Bill 2238 in 2021, reducing individual income tax rates from 11.95% to 10.85% for higher brackets and corporate rates from 6.5% to 4.31%
✓Signed House Bill 1336 in 2023, prohibiting gender-affirming medical interventions for minors
✓Signed House Bill 1395 in 2023, enacting a near-total ban on abortions except to save the mother's life
✓Issued executive orders and supported legislation promoting oil and gas development, including opposition to federal drilling pauses, contributing to North Dakota's record energy production

⚠️ Contradictions

•Donated $11,000 to Democratic candidates including Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) between 2011-2012, despite identifying as Republican since entering politics
•Criticized federal government overreach and excessive spending, yet accepted over $2 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds, leading to a 25% increase in the state general fund from 2020 to 2023
•Positioned as a populist outsider in 2023 presidential campaign, but enacted tax policies primarily benefiting corporations and high earners, such as the 2021 income tax cuts

Career Background

•Governor of North Dakota (2016–present)
•Founder, President, and CEO of Great Plains Software (1983–2001)
•Executive Vice President of Microsoft Business Solutions (2001–2007)
•Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Platform Committee (2012–2016)
•Member of the University of Mary Board of Trustees (2010–2016)

Endorsements

•Endorsed Donald Trump for President (January 2024)
•Received endorsement from U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven (2023–2024)
•Received endorsement from North Dakota Republican Party (2024 presidential run)