North Dakota GOP Fails to Endorse Full Slate of Statewide Candidates

For the first time in years, the state Republican Party could not back candidates in all statewide races.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A fractured, abstract painting in warm earth tones and cool blues depicting a stylized North Dakota state capitol building or other political symbol, conveying a sense of disunity and uncertainty surrounding the state's Republican politics.The North Dakota Republican Party's failure to endorse a full slate of statewide candidates reflects internal divisions that could impact upcoming elections.Minot Today

The North Dakota Republican Party was unable to endorse candidates in five of the seven statewide races during its recent convention in Minot. Only two candidates, Alex Balazs for U.S. House and Deven Styczynski for the Public Service Commission, met the party's endorsement requirements. The lack of endorsements sparked heated debate among delegates over whether to issue 'letters of recommendation' to other candidates, a move that was ultimately rejected.

Why it matters

The inability of the NDGOP to endorse a full slate of statewide candidates is an unusual occurrence that highlights internal divisions within the party. It raises questions about the party's ability to rally behind a unified ticket and could impact voter enthusiasm and turnout in the upcoming primary and general elections.

The details

Per NDGOP rules, the party can only endorse candidates who meet certain filing requirements by March 8. Of the seven statewide races on the June 9 primary ballot, only Balazs and Styczynski qualified for endorsement. The other five races, including for attorney general, secretary of state, tax commissioner, and agriculture commissioner, will not have any NDGOP-backed candidates. Delegates debated whether to issue 'letters of recommendation' to other candidates, but this move was overwhelmingly rejected after concerns that it would set a precedent and undermine the party's endorsement process.

  • The North Dakota Republican Convention took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Minot.
  • The deadline for candidates to meet NDGOP endorsement requirements was March 8, 2026.

The players

Matthew Simon

Chair of the North Dakota Republican Party.

Alex Balazs

Candidate for U.S. House who met the NDGOP endorsement requirements.

Deven Styczynski

Candidate for a six-year term on the North Dakota Public Service Commission who met the NDGOP endorsement requirements.

Chris Olson

Candidate for the two-year term on the North Dakota Public Service Commission who was late in applying for the NDGOP endorsement.

John Odermann

Delegate from Dickinson who opposed issuing a 'letter of recommendation' for Olson.

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What they’re saying

“We are setting a precedent. Every other race is going to have this same motion.”

— John Odermann, Delegate from Dickinson

“He came here. The other candidate didn't show up. Let's show the other guys that we can cultivate some candidates.”

— Jeff Magrum, State Senator from Hazelton

“I'm not trying to cause a rift in the party. I'm just late, I'm sorry.”

— Chris Olson, Candidate for two-year Public Service Commission term

What’s next

The candidates who did not receive the NDGOP endorsement will attempt to get on the primary ballot by collecting signatures. If successful, they can still appear on the Republican ticket in the June 9 primary election.

The takeaway

The North Dakota Republican Party's inability to endorse candidates in all statewide races highlights internal divisions and raises questions about the party's ability to present a unified ticket in the upcoming elections. This unusual occurrence could impact voter enthusiasm and turnout, potentially shaping the outcome of key races.