North Dakota Republicans Face Tensions Over Special Election Fallout

The populist faction of the North Dakota Republican Party has failed to secure a special election aimed at contesting the appointment of Dustin McNally to fill a House vacancy in District 42. According to the office of Secretary of State Michael Howe, the populists needed 656 valid signatures to compel Governor Kelly Armstrong to call for a special election. While they submitted 726 signatures, Howe’s office rejected 114 of them based on various technicalities.

Howe explained that 31 signatures were disqualified because the petitioners did not complete their affidavits correctly. An additional 81 signatures lacked complete addresses or dates, as mandated by law. One signature was rejected for being from an out-of-state address, while another was deemed illegible.

Given these outcomes, the populist faction is likely to voice accusations of unfairness, as they often do when faced with setbacks. As Howe noted, the process is transparent, and petitioners can request copies of the submitted signatures for their own review. Should they believe any legal irregularities occurred, they have the option to pursue legal action.

McNally’s appointment was intended to complete the four-year term of former Representative Emily O’Brien, who was elected the previous year. Despite the failed effort for a special election, McNally will still need to run in the 2026 election cycle, seeking the North Dakota Republican Party (NDGOP) nomination on the June ballot before participating in the general election.

The call for a special election was seen by some as unnecessary. Meanwhile, mainstream Republicans have expressed satisfaction with the outcome, suggesting that the populist tactics may not be as effective as intended. Yet, the underlying goal of the populists seems to extend beyond merely winning elections; they aim to create challenges for their opponents.

McNally, an engineering professor at the University of North Dakota, has faced considerable scrutiny since his appointment. He recently encountered a call for resignation from former lawmaker and activist Brand Prichard, just weeks after stepping into office. The effort for a special election appears to serve as a tactic to undermine McNally’s credibility, regardless of its success.

The populist faction has made notable strides within the NDGOP, successfully electing local district leaders and even securing a chair for one of their own at the state level. These achievements, however, come with a strategy aimed at making party politics an arduous experience for their rivals. Tactics range from procedural maneuvers to manipulating rules, effectively sidelining opponents or discouraging participation.

Local party activists report that once routine meetings have evolved into lengthy sessions that many find hard to attend, even if they wish to participate. Leading up to McNally’s appointment, populist activists in District 42 demanded the resignations of district leaders and threatened lawsuits. Although McNally ultimately secured the appointment in a narrow vote, it raises questions about how many potential candidates are willing to endure such tumultuous conditions for public service.

The challenges faced by individuals like McNally may deter pragmatic, community-minded citizens from pursuing office, especially given the considerable demands and modest compensation. As the dynamics within the NDGOP continue to evolve, the potential pool of candidates willing to navigate these treacherous waters seems to be narrowing, posing implications for the party’s future.