North Dakota governor and Republican presidential candidate Doug Burgum suffered a high-grade tear of his Achilles tendon while playing a game of pick-up basketball with his staff on Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the situation. The injury requires him to be on crutches. Burgum, 67, will attend the candidates’ walk-through of the debate event site on Wednesday afternoon, after which he will decide whether he is physically able to participate in the debate itself. The governor is focused on the debate, which is the Republican Party’s first of this primary season. He understands that he would have to walk on stage and stand behind a podium for two hours if he chooses to participate.
Despite the injury, Burgum’s disposition remains focused and tough. He is known for his resilience and is not phased by injuries and pain, according to the source. As a lifelong athlete, he is familiar with sports injuries. Other candidates have privately reached out to ask how he is doing, with Republican Sen. Tim Scott and Vivek Ramaswamy posting on social media to wish the governor well.
Burgum is one of the eight candidates in the debate lineup, which will air on Fox News at 9 p.m. ET. The GOP governor, a wealthy former software executive, has described himself as the least-known contender on Wednesday night’s stage. He sees the debate as an opportunity to explain who he is, what he is about, and why he is running for president.
Burgum qualified for the debate stage by reaching the Republican National Committee’s 40,000-unique-donors threshold in July. He attracted donors by giving away gift cards worth $20 in exchange for $1 donations. He also met the polling requirements and signed the pledge to back the eventual GOP presidential nominee, both of which are required by the RNC to participate in Wednesday night’s debate.
Currently serving his second term as North Dakota governor, Burgum announced his run for president in 2024 in June. He entered the race with considerably less name recognition than other contenders for the GOP nomination. His campaign is primarily focused on the economy, energy, and national security.
This story has been updated with additional reporting.
Sources:
– CNN: [North Dakota governor and Republican presidential candidate Doug Burgum suffers Achilles tear](https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/19/politics/doug-burgum-primary-debate-fundraising/index.html)
– CNN: [GOP debate: What to watch](https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/23/politics/gop-debate-what-to-watch/index.html)
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-23 16:19:00