BeckerRickBISMARCK   Republican state Rep. Rick Becker of Bismarck officially announced a run for governor in an online video posted Monday morning.

Becker is first candidate to enter the race that will be decided in November 2016.

In the 4-minute, 19-second video posted at beckerforgovernor.com, Becker said he’s proud of his record as being “one of the top fiscal conservatives in the state.”

He adds, “I’ve seen how things work on the inside, and I’ve seen firsthand that our state government must be more fiscally responsible, protect our liberties and better address our long-term needs regardless of the booms and busts that may come.”

Becker, who had previously signaled his intent to run, is a Mandan native and owner of Becker Plastic Surgery. The father of four was elected to a District 7 House seat in 2012 and re-elected to a four-year term in 2014.

Becker also is a commercial real estate developer, and he said in the video that his executive business experience and legislative experience make him uniquely qualified to address the state’s opportunities and challenges.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem also is expected to announce his candidacy for the GOP nomination, having recently formed a committee to accept what he said were unsolicited contributions.

Other Republicans mulling a run for governor are state Treasurer Kelly Schmidt, state Sen. Tom Campbell of Grafton, who has formed an exploratory committee, and Fargo businessman Doug Burgum, who has said he hasn’t ruled out running as an independent.

No Democrats have announced interest in the race.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple, the state’s governor since December 2010, is not seeking a second full term.