North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum announced Monday he is suspending his campaign for president.

Mr. Burgum decided to withdraw after failing to gain traction in polls and qualify for Republican primary debates.

On the trail, the governor pointed to his record of success in the private sector and contrasted his state’s energy boom with President Biden’s green policies.

However, he failed to break through in a field dominated by former President Donald Trump and chief rivals such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

In his statement, Mr. Burgum slammed the Republican National Committee for its “clubhouse debate requirements,” saying it nationalized the process before “engaged” voters in Iowa and New Hampshire had their say at the ballot box.

“These arbitrary criteria ensure advantages for candidates from major media markets on the coast versus America’s heartland,” he said.

Mr. Burgum said he would continue to hammer on the themes that animated his campaign.

“We remain committed to improving the lives of every American by moving America 180 degrees in the opposite direction of Joe Biden on three critical issues — the economy, energy and national security,” Mr. Burgum said.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.