North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum drops out of 2024 presidential race

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum became the latest Republican candidate to drop out of the 2024 presidential race when he announced Monday that he was suspending his campaign.

Despite his underdog status since launching his bid in June, Burgum had rejected growing calls for him to exit the crowded field of GOP hopefuls.

"We launched our campaign with a clear-eyed mission: Bring a business leader and proven governor’s voice to fight for the best of America. We will always remain committed to fighting for that, and for the people who make our nation so exceptional," Burgum said in a statement Monday . He did not immediately endorse another Republican candidate.

The two-term governor made energy policy and national security cornerstones of his presidential campaign. The former software entrepreneur and billionaire qualified for the first and second Republican debate, despite his lack of name recognition.