What’s going on in the ND Republican Party?
The 2022 NDGOP State Convention that took place on April 2nd was the largest in ND history with 2,321 delegates in attendance. What was the cause of such historic attendance? Was it due to a growing allegiance and respect for the Republican Party’s leadership during the last two years? Or perhaps it was because conservatives across the state have continued to watch Republican leadership not only fail to protect North Dakotans from government overreach, overspending, and Marxist indoctrination in our public schools, but actively promote and/or downplay those very things. Perhaps conservatives have realized their responsibility to participate in the governing process of our Constitutional Republic and in the political party of which they affiliate. Perhaps the large attendance was due to the chance to endorse a US Senate candidate who represents the conservative grassroots movement that is sweeping the state and causing the establishment to nervously wonder if their positions of power aren’t as secure as they once thought. Despite the convention slogan “United As One”, it was clear during the convention that the Republican Party in North Dakota is split into two camps: those that are content with the results of Republican Party leadership and those that believe we need a significant change of course if we are going to have any hope of saving our country.
The divide at the state convention was also due to a difference in opinion whether the NDGOP is a permanent organization or a temporary one, which directly relates to how rules that govern party business should be formed. Muddying all of this is the unfortunate fact that the Republican Party is regulated by ND Century Code. The authority by the state to govern a private political organization should be overturned, but will require a state constitutional challenge, which is no small feat. State law should have no say in how, when, and where like-minded individuals gather to exercise their 1st Amendment right to form a private political association.
As with many a conflict, there is much to be learned from both sides. The NDGOP has accomplished good things and has the potential to be a powerful force for constructive and lasting change. Grassroots conservatives have the energy, passion, and knowledge to implement that change. Instead of leaning into the divide by avoiding hard conversations and continuing an “us vs them” mentality, how can Republicans come together and bring their best ideas forward to make our platform and agenda as compelling and effective as possible?
Amber Vibeto
Executive Director
