Campbell withdraws from US House race

(Statewide) — Former North Dakota State Senator Tom Campbell has announced he is withdrawing from the race for North Dakota’s lone U.S. House seat. 

“After a great deal of soul searching and prayer, I have made the decision to withdraw my candidacy for the US Congress,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. “Over the past few months, my Tom’s 244 Town Tour has allowed me to travel extensively, covering 11,000 miles and listening to the concerns of our people! Through this journey, I’ve come to realize that our state’s greatest asset is not ag or oil but the people.”

Campbell said he feels “it would be a better use of my time to avoid a negative campaign, ignoring any threats and focus on the positive, where I can contribute to the well-being of others.”

“At a time where there seems to be too much division and anger, I believe I can make more of a difference taking a different path rather than as 1 in 435 in Congress,” he said. “I am happy I took the leap into this political arena and have no regrets. I am deeply grateful to my family and friends for their support. I would like to wish all candidates the best of luck.”

Campbell’s departure leaves Republicans Rick Becker and Julie Fedorchak, along with Democrat Trygve Hammer, vying for the lone Congressional seat.