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Traditionally, Minnesota Republicans have let the endorsing convention settle the nominee for statewide races. But that could change in 2026.
MINNEAPOLIS — In recent memory, Minnesota Republicans have generally chosen their candidates for key statewide races through a vote by party delegates at state conventions, rather than through competitive primaries.
The convention endorsement is how Dr. Scott Jensen, for example, became the party's nominee for governor in 2022, and how Royce White became the GOP candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024. Both lost their races by comfortable margins, particularly White, who was defeated by 16 points against incumbent U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar.
For some in the party, the party's emphasis on endorsements -- rather than a primary decided by Republican voters across the state -- has been a major factor in the Minnesota GOP's two-decade ...
