One of the two men seeking the North Dakota Democratic-NPL nomination for governor has dropped out of the race.
Travis Hipsher, of Neche in the northeastern part of the state, made his announcement over the weekend.
“Our hopes now reside on the next governor to address the rising food costs, help make rural life more affordable, addressing the behavioral work shortage issue and continuing to build a diverse economy that can weather the uncertainty of market trends tomorrow," he said in a statement. "Our next governor needs to represent the working people of North Dakota.”
Hipsher did not give a specific reason for his decision in his statement. He told the Tribune on Monday that "After looking at the numbers, it is not feasible to continue my efforts for the governor's office at this time."
Hipsher works as a security guard at a bus manufacturer and previously managed a pharmaceutical delivery company. He unsuccessfully ran for a state Senate seat in 2022, winning about 24% of the vote. He said when he announced his run for governor that he thought North Dakota needed a new direction “and new people to lead us there.”
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When Hipsher announced his run in January he was the only Democrat in the race. Late last month state Sen. Merrill Piepkorn, D-Fargo, filed campaign finance paperwork for a candidate committee. He plans to formally announce his candidacy on Tuesday with events in Fargo and Bismarck. Piepkorn is president of a company that produces television, movie and radio projects and live events. He was first elected to the North Dakota Senate in 2016.
Republicans have held the governor’s office since 1992, and a Democrat hasn’t won a statewide election in North Dakota since 2012.
Republican Gov. Doug Burgum is not seeking a third term. Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller and U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., are seeking the Republican nomination in the June primary.
Independent Michael Coachman, an Air Force veteran of Larimore, also is running.
Hipsher expressed interest in running for office in the future.