Former state Sen. Tom Campbell, a Republican candidate for North Dakota's only U.S. House seat, has decided to end his campaign. Campbell, a potato farmer from Grafton, made the announcement on Tuesday, citing his desire to avoid a negative campaign and focus on contributing positively to the well-being of others.
With Campbell's withdrawal, several candidates are vying to succeed Republican Rep. Kelly Armstrong, who is now running for governor. Other Republican contenders for the House seat include former state Rep. Rick Becker, Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak, and military veteran Alex Balazs.
On the Democratic side, military veteran Trygve Hammer is also in the running. The seat has been held by Republicans since 2011.
Campbell's decision comes shortly before the North Dakota Republican Party's state convention in Fargo, where delegates will endorse candidates for statewide and congressional races. Some candidates have indicated that they will take their campaigns to the Republican primary election in June, allowing voters to decide the nominees for the November election.