Originally Published: 18 MAY 23 10:31 ET

Updated: 18 MAY 23 11:08 ET

By Kristen Holmes and David Chalian, CNN

(CNN) — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is seriously mulling a bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, a source with knowledge of his plans told CNN.

A Republican familiar with Burgum’s thinking said the governor will make a final decision in the next two to three weeks.

Burgum suggested earlier this month that he was considering a run, telling a North Dakota newspaper that he was thinking about 2024 and that there was a hunger for an alternative candidate.

“All the engagement right now is occurring on the edge,” he told The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. “There’s definitely a yearning for some alternatives right now.”

Should Burgum enter the GOP primary field, he would do so with considerably less national name recognition than many of his potential rivals. Burgum has a conservative track record as governor, signing a bill this year that bans gender-affirming care for most minors and enacting a near total-ban on abortions in the state.

Burgum told The Forum that he sees value in being underestimated, calling it a “competitive advantage.”

A former Microsoft executive, Burgum is currently serving his second term as North Dakota governor.

This story has been updated with additional details.