North Dakota GOP Faces Financial Struggles Under New Leadership

The North Dakota Republican Party is grappling with significant financial challenges as fundraising efforts falter under the leadership of new chairman Matthew Simon. Elected in a controversial move, Simon has aligned himself with the far-right faction of the party, often opposing candidates endorsed by the party, including former Governor Doug Burgum. This internal division is reflected in the party’s dwindling cash reserves, raising concerns among Republican circles.

At a recent executive committee meeting, the financial report revealed a troubling decline in cash reserves. In December 2024, the party reported approximately $395,000 in cash on hand, which has since plummeted. By September 2025, this figure dropped to just $146,000, marking a sharp decrease over a short period. The party’s fundraising efforts, typically less vigorous during off-election years, have not improved, with leadership expressing alarm over the situation.

The minutes from various executive meetings illustrate ongoing efforts to revitalize fundraising initiatives. In July 2025, discussions began on launching a fundraising committee, and subsequent meetings acknowledged the need to address the declining financial status. Despite these intentions, tangible results have yet to materialize.

Official filings with the Federal Election Commission corroborate the party’s financial woes. Reports indicate a steep decline in contributions since the start of the year. In August 2025, the NDGOP registered just over $370 in contributions, the lowest monthly total in over a decade. This is a stark contrast to the North Dakota Democratic-NPL, which, despite holding no statewide offices, reported $24,147.74 in contributions during the same period.

The NDGOP’s financial struggles raise questions about the party’s future and its ability to maintain electoral competitiveness. While North Dakota remains predominantly Republican, the decline in fundraising may signal waning support for the party’s current leadership rather than for Republican incumbents, who continue to enjoy favorable poll numbers.

The situation highlights a broader trend within the party. The rise of populist figures like Simon and their ability to secure leadership positions does not reflect the majority sentiment among North Dakota Republicans. Historical data supports this notion, as candidates associated with the populist faction have faced significant electoral challenges. For instance, former state lawmaker Rick Becker suffered defeats in both the 2022 and 2024 election cycles for statewide offices.

Moreover, the NDGOP’s internal conflicts became evident during its 2024 state convention, where the populist faction denied endorsements to candidates who later won in the general election, including Julie Fedorchak, who received the highest number of votes in a statewide election. The party’s current trajectory raises critical questions about its ability to unify and effectively engage with a broader electorate.

As the NDGOP navigates these financial and political challenges, the impact on the party’s influence and future elections remains to be seen. The ongoing struggles under Simon’s leadership may compel the party to reassess its strategies and priorities in order to regain its footing in North Dakota’s political landscape.