Burgum undergoes hip surgery, expects to be discharged

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum underwent hip replacement surgery Friday.

The 64-year-old Republican had surgery to replace his left hip, the Bismarck Tribune reported. Gubernatorial authority was briefly delegated to Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford on Friday morning. Sanford said he didn’t take any actions before Burgum resumed his authority.

Burgum issued a statement saying the surgery went well and he looks forward to pain-free horseback rides. He joked that his career as a college hurdler is over.

Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki said the governor was expected to be discharged from the hospital late Friday. He said he didn’t know if Burgum would work from his residence or the state Capitol in coming days or whether he’ll need physical therapy.

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This story was first published on March 12, 2021. It was updated on March 16, 2021, to correct the spelling of Gov. Doug Burgum’s last name, from Burgnam.