Republican delegates from across Minnesota will meet in six or so months at the MNGOP State Convention to endorse candidates for the five statewide contests that will appear on the November 2026 ballot. The standard process for candidates in Minnesota Republican politics involves them pledging to abide by the party endorsement and while some lie and renege on that commitment, simply agreeing to abide by the endorsement no longer appears to be the norm. 

There is a healthy skepticism to be had with party endorsements considering how corrupt tactics have been used to rig conventions and block competition but more often than not, endorsing conventions are run fairly and without fraud. Individuals unfamiliar with the process may assume delegates are all well-connected political insiders but that is typically not the case. Delegates are often conservative, grassroots activists who want to make their voice heard and move Minnesota in the right direction.

Unlike previous election cycles, the MNGOP will likely have more candidates that refuse to abide by the endorsement than candidates who will make that pledge! This threat comes from both the establishment and anti-establishment wings of the party, showing that big races may not be completely settled at the state convention.

RINO candidates fear the convention’s delegates will be too conservative while anti-establishment candidates fear the convention will be unfair! Only a minority of candidates are pledging to honor the delegate vote.

A recent Rice County GOP meeting had particular attention drawn to this issue by U.S. Senate candidate Royce White, who admonished Kendall Qualls for supporting He/Him Joe Frasier in the primary after White had been endorsed by the party. See the full event here and see a clip of the event below:

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL — This is why they fear ultra MAGA, because we name the names. It has to be said here in Minnesota. We cannot allow ourselves to stumble into this 2026 midterm doing the same thing again. These people openly say the "MAGA Base" is the problem. How… pic.twitter.com/fQzCP93qEB

— Royce White 🇺🇸 (@Highway_30) November 7, 2025

Below you will see information about which Republican candidates will abide by the MNGOP endorsement they are seeking. Click links to find relevant info on their willingness to abide by the MNGOP endorsement:

Governor

Has publicly pledged to abide by endorsement: Jeff Johnson and Kendall Qualls (both had not made this commitment beforehand)

Has refused to publicly pledge to abide by endorsement: Lisa Demuth, Scott Jensen, Phil Parrish, Brad Kohler, and Kristin Robbins 

Has not given a clear answer: Lisa Demuth (multiple conflicting statements, running mate claims they will abide), Patrick Knight, and Raul Estrada

U.S. Senate

Has publicly pledged to abide by endorsement: Adam Schwarze

Has refused to publicly pledge to abide by endorsement: Royce White and Tom Wieler

Has not given a clear answer: Alycia Gruenhagen, Ray Peterson, and Mike Ruoho

Attorney General

Has publicly pledged to abide by endorsement: n/a

Has refused to publicly pledge to abide by endorsement: n/a

Has not given a clear answer: Ron Schutz

Secretary of State

Has publicly pledged to abide by endorsement: n/a

Has refused to publicly pledge to abide by endorsement: n/a

Has not given a clear answer: Tad Jude

State Auditor

Has publicly pledged to abide by endorsement: Nate George

Has refused to publicly pledge to abide by endorsement: n/a

Has not given a clear answer: Elliott Engen and Charles Kuchlenz

The party endorsement typically determines who will be the Republican nominee. While the primary takes place regardless of endorsement results, voters often trust and agree with the endorsement selection of delegates. This is not always the case since there are plenty of unendorsed candidates who have come out victorious in the primary but a candidate having the MNGOP and party subunits endorsement, resources, and benefits has proven to be a major advantage.

Delegates may worry that their endorsement does not carry the same weight it previously had but it remains to be seen how the convention’s results will clear the scene but it is worth remembering that the endorsement still carries big value. If it didn’t, the candidates wouldn’t even seek it.

Action 4 Liberty will continue to keep Patriots informed and will pull no punches in exposing the truth. Whether candidates do not trust the convention’s voting security, the party leadership, or even the delegates themselves, endorsements will be made and they may give candidates the support they need to become the nominee and the eventual general election winner.