Dakota Beacon

The year 2024 is coming fast and that means one thing. A presidential election is on the horizon, and it promises to be like none other. 

The Democrats have a dilemma on their hands. Do they tempt fate with another Biden/Trump match-up or do they pull the plug on Biden and take a risk on Newsom or someone else? 

The Republicans are held hostage by Trump and his massive lead over any other candidate from a shrinking number of contenders for the nomination.

North Dakotas own Doug Burgum, born and raised in a small town, jumping through all the hoops to appeal to his constituents in the state, has managed to secure only a third-place status behind DeSantis and Trump.

Which begs the question, “What’s up with that?”

Will he be the dark horse running into the picture like Obama in 2008? He might have a shot if he stays in the race until after Super Tuesday. Anything could happen. 

Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis could stumble and fall in various scenarios leaving Burgum as a moderate wild card to challenge whatever is left of the Trump campaign and his emergence as the Republican nominee. In some ways this drama seems to have come to a stalemate and even thinking about it tires me out.

But there’s more! Leading up to the 2024 election of a president, the NDGOP will host a presidential caucus in March of 2024. If Burgum’s bid for the presidency is unsuccessful and he holds out for a 2028 run, he will likely be in the hunt for the nomination for governor. If he withdraws and doesn’t run for governor, it will be an interesting time for the NDGOP. Who will be the GOP governor candidates? 

Rep. Armstrong is making moves, but what about Kevin Cramer, Rick Becker, Josh Gallion, Julie Fedorchak or even Robert Harms? I believe it is good for all candidates to be challenged and that includes incumbents for all offices. Just because someone has won one term doesn’t mean they should automatically be the candidate next election cycle.

Republicans have a deep bench, Democrats not so much. The only Democrats who could be in play are Heidi Heitkamp (with $5 million on hand) or her brother Joel. The Democrats are in disarray, and it appears the battles will be in the NDGOP.

The conservative movement has made strides in the GOP, and if Donald Trump is the torch bearer in 2024 the moderates in the GOP will be hard-pressed to make any gains. If Armstrong is the governor nominee there is a wide-open shot for the single Congressional seat. Rumor has it some of the incumbents are considering skipping the GOP convention and going straight to the primary. That would be a grave mistake.

On the legislative front, if Burgum stays out of the legislative races, odds are conservatives pick up more seats and leadership in the House could change. Stay tuned. The roller coaster is about to pick up speed.

Gary Emineth is the former NDGOP state chairman and host of "Open Range" on BEK TV.