Burgum talks potential cabinet position, time as governor

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – “North Dakota’s going to flourish, and our economy is going to flourish under the Trump administration and the new folks we’ve got coming here in North Dakota.”

During the campaign, Governor Doug Burgum was linked up with the Trump campaign, even being floated as a potential running mate for the President-Elect. Now he is being linked with a potential spot in the cabinet.

“I think it’s a sign of respect for the whole state of North Dakota that my name is popping up on shortlists for various positions.”

Burgum was in Florida with President-Elect Trump on election night, and while they spoke on election night, he says a decision on a potential appointment hasn’t been made yet.

“He and I were on the same page that you can’t do transition planning, really shouldn’t even be talking about it, until after you win an election. Now, yesterday and today, those discussions are going in earnest.”

But the governor was also keeping a close eye on the results back home as the NDGOP swept the statewide races.

“I think it speaks to the people of North Dakota. The voters in North Dakota, they like having a fiscally conservative government, they like having a pro-business approach to how we do things.”

He’s been in contact with Governor-elect Armstrong, as they work on the transition with Burgum eager to set Armstrong up for success.

“We’re leaving the state in really, really good shape. And that’s exciting. It’s exciting to give Kelly and his team a great starting point. The future is very bright for North Dakota.”

Burgum hasn’t had a lot of time to think about his legacy as he leaves office, but he says that he hopes North Dakotans will remember his commitment to the state.

“Those four values of curiosity and humility and gratitude and courage have driven us every day, and I think that when people look back and see what was accomplished, they’ll see we’ve been focused on serving every single citizen of North Dakota.”