North Dakota GOP Convention Sees Dramatic Decline in Attendance

Statewide Republican candidates boycott event amid party division

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:19pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior scene of an empty political office or legislative chamber, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the room, conveying a sense of melancholy and uncertainty.The stark contrast between the NDGOP's dwindling convention attendance and the party's past vibrancy reflects the growing divisions that threaten to undermine its electoral prospects.Minot Today

The North Dakota Republican Party's state convention in Minot saw a significant drop in attendance, with only 707 credentialed delegates compared to an average of over 1,600 in recent years. The decline is attributed to a sharp divide within the party, as a faction of populists has captured control and clashed with the state's Republican incumbents, who are boycotting the event.

Why it matters

The dramatic decline in convention attendance reflects the growing divisions within the North Dakota Republican Party and the challenges the party faces in uniting ahead of the upcoming elections. The lack of participation from statewide candidates could impact the party's ability to endorse and support candidates effectively.

The details

The 2026 NDGOP convention started with 707 credentialed, seated delegates, less than half the average attendance of around 1,608 delegates from 2016 to 2024. Some party insiders dispute even the 707 number, citing issues with the check-in process. The decline represents a roughly 52% decrease from 2024 and more than 70% decrease from 2022.

  • The NDGOP state convention took place on March 28, 2026 in Minot, North Dakota.

The players

Trygve Hammer

The Democratic-NPL candidate for U.S. House, who was spotted at the convention attending a gun show in another part of the facility.

Alex Balazs

A candidate for the U.S. House, seeking the NDGOP's convention endorsement.

Matthew Simon

The NDGOP party chairman, who had predicted earlier this month that the convention would have around 1,000 delegates.

Charles Tuttle

A gadfly who makes a living selling Donald Trump merchandise and is running for superintendent of public schools, a nonpartisan race.

Chris Olson

The son of state Rep. SuAnn Olson, R-Baldwin, who has campaign signs up for a run for Public Service Commission.

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What they’re saying

“I saw a young Republican struggling with some signs in the parking lot, so I helped him carry them in. I ended up in the room and shook some hands. I shook hands with Alex Balazs.”

— Trygve Hammer, Democratic-NPL candidate for U.S. House

“I don't believe it. They got wires crossed and had a hard time determining who was here or now and checked in.”

— A district chair

What’s next

The convention delegates are not expected to vote to suspend their rules to issue more endorsements. Instead, the convention will likely issue letters of recommendation for challengers to the incumbent statewide candidates.

The takeaway

The dramatic decline in attendance at the North Dakota Republican Party's state convention reflects the growing divisions within the party, as a populist faction clashes with the state's Republican incumbents who are boycotting the event. This could impact the party's ability to effectively endorse and support candidates ahead of the upcoming elections.