The race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination is heating up in a big way, especially as rumors swirl as to who the next contestants will be. 

According to the Washington Examiner, the outlet cited reports that indicate North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) plans to jump into the race.

Reuters noted that Burgum is expected to announce his formal entry into the 2024 contest on June 7 at an event in Fargo.

Burgum is currently serving his second term as the state's governor.

Who is he?

One massive problem Burgum will run into is that outside of North Dakota, not many know his name or his politics. Going up against two political giants in Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, Burgum will have a monumental challenge ahead.

"Right now, GOP primary voters are like, 'Who?'" Jeanette Hoffman, a Republican political consultant said. "But this could be an open field and he has a story to tell."

🚨Report: North Dakota Governor Republican Doug Burgum is planning to announce he is officially running for President on June 7th. pic.twitter.com/BnplZimwFr

— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) May 26, 2023

Reuters noted:

Burgum, 66, built a successful software business before selling it to Microsoft Corp in 2001. A proponent of low taxes and fewer regulations, he will likely seek to portray himself as a traditional conservative who will focus on the economy and national security, the person familiar with his plans said.

The governor enjoys strong support in his state, winning his last reelection by over two-thirds of the vote.

One strong political asset he brings to convince conservatives is the fact that he has signed one of the toughest abortion laws in the country.

Social media reacts

Burgum's planned announcement wasn't exactly well-received by social media users, many of whom pointed out that he likely doesn't stand much of a chance against the party's top two candidates.

"First time ever hearing of this guy. Apparently, he’s a billionaire about to pull a Bloomberg," one Twitter user wrote.

Many other social media users echoed, "Who?," pointing out his virtually complete lack of name recognition.

Reuters included updating polling results for current candidates:

Reuters/Ipsos polling conducted on May 9-15 showed Trump is backed by 49% of Republicans, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a distant second place at 19%. They were followed by former Vice President Mike Pence with 5% and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley on 4%, the poll showed.