​Minnesota Republican Party chairman makes case to voters

By Bryce Vincent Haugen

The Republican Party of Minnesota nominated business executive and Army veteran Kendall Qualls for governor at its convention in Duluth the last weekend of May. Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, one of several challengers for the endorsement, initially said she would drop out if she wasn’t nominated, but decided at the filing deadline to compete in the party primary, which will also feature MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a MAGA darling.

Earlier in the year, the High Plains Reader reached out via email to Minnesota Republican Party Chairman Alex Plechash to get his party’s perspective and to ask what they believe it will take to win the GOPs first statewide victory in two decades.

High Plains Reader: After 20 years since a statewide victory, what will it take for Republicans to regain the governorship?

Alex Plechash: Minnesotans are looking at the results of one-party control and realizing something isn’t working. Democrats inherited a $17.5 billion budget surplus and still passed more than $10 billion in new taxes and fees. Meanwhile, our schools are struggling — fewer than half of Minnesota students are proficient in reading and math. When you combine rising costs, declining academic outcomes and massive government fraud, people begin to ask whether state leadership is focused on the right priorities. Republicans believe Minnesota can lead again if we restore accountability and focus government on delivering real results for families.

HPR: Why is Republican leadership in that office important, particularly now?

AP: Minnesota has seen over $9 billion in fraud tied to government programs, with more still being uncovered. These scandals have put our state in the national spotlight — and not in a good way. Whether it’s pandemic programs or other public funds, Minnesotans have watched hundreds of millions of dollars meant for children and families stolen while government oversight failed. A Republican governor would restore accountability, demand real oversight and ensure taxpayer dollars actually reach the people they are meant to serve.

HPR: What issues will the party focus on?

AP: The numbers tell the story. Minnesota used to be a national leader in education, yet today less than half of our students meet grade-level standards in reading and math despite record spending. At the same time, families are dealing with the impact of billions in new taxes and mandates. Republicans will focus on restoring academic excellence, making Minnesota more affordable and ensuring government is accountable to taxpayers.

HPR: Why are Republicans better candidates than Sen. Amy Klobuchar?

AP: After nearly two decades in Washington, Minnesotans are asking what Senator Amy Klobuchar has actually done to address the serious issues facing our state. Minnesota has seen over $9 billion in fraud tied to federal and state programs, yet she has done nothing meaningful to stop it. In fact, she skipped a Senate hearing just weeks ago that focused specifically on fraud happening in Minnesota.

At the same time, despite spending over 20 years building a political career in Washington, we’re already seeing polling where she trails Governor Tim Walz. Minnesotans want leaders who confront problems directly. Too often Senator Klobuchar avoids the tough issues — fraud, failing schools and rising costs. Minnesotans don’t want leaders who hide from the real challenges facing our state.

HPR: What do you have to say to voters in rural northwest Minnesota?

AP: Rural Minnesota has always been a place of innovation and hard work. Companies like Digi-Key Electronics in northwest Minnesota and Hormel Foods in southern Minnesota show that world-class businesses can thrive outside the Twin Cities. Agriculture remains the backbone of the region’s economy as well, with thousands of jobs tied to sugar beet production and cooperatives like American Crystal Sugar Company across the Red River Valley.

Republicans believe policies should support these industries, protect family farms and ensure the next generation can stay and build their future in the communities where they grew up.

HPR: Is there anything else you would like to add?

AP: Minnesota used to be known nationally for strong schools, innovative companies and a thriving middle class. Today, we’re seeing declining test scores, rising costs and embarrassing national headlines about fraud and government mismanagement. With strong Republican leadership, we can reverse that decline—restore accountability, strengthen our schools and once again make Minnesota a place where families and businesses can thrive.