On Saturday, the Republican Party of Minnesota held its State Central Convention in Elk River. The convention was intended to be a simple gathering to approve bylaws and convention dates for the upcoming election year. Less than an hour in, the 312 delegates were voting on whether or not the party should replace its chair, David Hann.

The motion to replace Hann was brought by former State Representative Erik Mortensen. When he was ruled out of order by the presiding chair, the convention voted on whether or not to consider his motion. On a procedural vote like this, there must be over 50% voting to overturn the “out of order” ruling from the presiding chair.

In a surprising turn, an incredible 125 delegates (40% of the body) voted to move forward with the motion to replace Hann. While this fell short of the half needed to proceed, it does speak volumes about dissatisfaction with the Republican Party Chair.

To put this vote into perspective: State Central Delegates are considered the insiders within the party. Many people would call these delegates part of the Republican Establishment, though that description is clearly not as accurate as it used to be. This spring, Action 4 Liberty mobilized hundreds of grassroots activists to get involved in their party conventions.

Republicans have many reasons to be upset with Hann. The most recent reason includes news that the party’s bank account had a measly total of $53. Under his leadership, the party also cut off data access to five conservative Republican-endorsed candidates for state legislature before their primary elections in 2022.

The party also has over $300,000 worth of debt. Some of this debt includes a bill for Rochester's Mayo Civic Center, which was where the party hosted its state convention last spring.

At the end of the convention, a motion was brought forward asking Chair Hann to forgo his $100,000 salary until the bill for the Mayo Civic Center is paid. That motion failed with a vote of 134-144 (48%-52%). Clearly, a large portion of the State Central delegates are dissatisfied with the direction of the party. 

Other business at the convention included a resolution brought forth by Action 4 Liberty’s own “MAGA Jesse,” which condemned the indictments made against President Trump. After some amendments had been offered, the resolution passed with flying colors. 

State Central delegates are expected to meet at least one more time this year in December. 

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