BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has officially ended his long-shot bid for the presidency, announcing his withdrawal on Monday. The governor attributes his departure from the race to the stringent requirements set by the Republican National Committee (RNC) to qualify for the debate stage.

Burgum, a second-term governor and successful software entrepreneur, made the decision just hours before the RNC released the list of candidates who had met the polling and donor qualifications for the fourth debate, scheduled to take place in Alabama this Wednesday. This marks the second time he failed to qualify, having also missed the third debate held last month.

In his statement announcing his departure, Burgum pointed a finger at the RNC for "nationalizing the primary process" and unfairly limiting the competition and fresh ideas that candidates from the Heartland, such as himself, could bring to the race. He criticized the arbitrary criteria that favored candidates from major media markets on the coasts, stating that it did not reflect the qualifications necessary to effectively serve as president.

When Burgum launched his presidential campaign in June for the 2024 election, he was relatively unknown on the national stage. His campaign focused on energy, the economy, and national security, highlighting his small-town roots and leadership experience in a sparsely populated state.

While Burgum did participate in the first two Republican debates, he faced significant challenges in gaining momentum against his rivals, amid a political landscape still dominated by former President Donald Trump. With his withdrawal from the race, Burgum joins other candidates such as former Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, radio show host Larry Elder, businessman Perry Johnson, former Texas congressman Will Hurd, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez who have suspended their bids.

Throughout his campaign, Burgum infused his own funds into his bid for the presidency, with $12.2 million of the total $15.1 million raised by his campaign coming from his personal wealth, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Additionally, a super PAC supporting his candidacy expended over $19 million from July to November, as reported in filings.

Burgum nearly missed his chance for national exposure when he suffered an Achilles tendon rupture the day before the inaugural debate in August held in Milwaukee. However, he persevered through the injury, impressively standing on one leg behind the podium.

Former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer commended Burgum's campaign as "pretty gutsy." Nevertheless, Schafer recognized the limitations of hailing from a sparsely populated state like North Dakota, which carries little national profile or leverage in a presidential race. Raising campaign funds from the state also posed increasing challenges, he noted.

As Burgum reflects on his political future, there are speculations about a possible third term as governor in 2024, although he has yet to indicate his intentions. Senior political advisor Dawson Schefter confirmed that Burgum and his family will deliberate on "future possibilities" over the holiday season. According to Schafer, seeking a third term is the "most likely scenario" for Burgum, given his popular support, achievements, and the unfinished business he may have.

With the deadline for candidate filings in April approaching, all eyes will be on Burgum to see what his next political move will be in North Dakota and beyond.