Minnesota GOP Chair David Hann Faces Internal Revolt

A group of State Central Committee members within the Republican Party of Minnesota is spearheading an effort to oust Chairman David Hann. The group, identifying itself as “Rebuild the Minnesota GOP,” points to what they deem as Hann’s leadership failures, including plunging the party into debt and overseeing one of the most significant election defeats in Minnesota’s history in 2022.

Hann, who assumed the role in 2021 amidst a federal sex trafficking scandal and allegations of a toxic work environment that led to the departure of former Chair Jennifer Carnahan, is now facing internal dissent. The state Republican party has been grappling with financial challenges, exacerbated by the fallout from the Carnahan controversy and internal divisions over former President Donald Trump.

The insurgent group alleges that Hann failed to prudently manage GOP resources and effectively support candidates in the 2022 elections, contributing to a dismal performance that resulted in a Democratic trifecta victory. Hann, however, dismisses the allegations, asserting that everything mentioned in the document was well-known during the state officers’ election in December.

Larry Doose, chair of Mille Lacs County Republicans and a State Central Committee delegate, is one of over 100 delegates and alternates who have signed a letter seeking new leadership out of approximately 900 total. While acknowledging the high threshold of two-thirds support required for success, Doose remains optimistic that once people grasp the truth, they will rally for new leadership.

Doose emphasizes that the Rebuild the MNGOP group, primarily comprised of the MAGA wing of the party, has been working behind the scenes for several months to address internal issues. The decision to go public reflects a growing dissatisfaction within the party’s ranks, with members eager to move past internal distractions and focus on electing candidates.

“There’s a lot of displeasure with our leadership,” says Doose. “Basically, we want to move on and elect our candidates and not have this be a distraction.”

The group, a mix of newer members who joined after the 2020 election and long-term Republicans, accuses Hann of mismanaging party donations, jeopardizing fundraising capabilities, and potentially hindering the party’s ability to receive national committee funds in the coming year. While the party successfully paid off millions of dollars in debt from 2017 to 2021, the complaint alleges that it is once again in the red, owing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In response to the internal dissent, State Republican Party Executive Director Anna Mathews acknowledges differences within political parties, stating, “Like in all political parties, there are members who disagree with leadership from time to time.” She emphasizes the party’s commitment to accommodating diverse perspectives on how Republicans can achieve success.

As the internal strife unfolds, all eyes are on the upcoming State Central Committee vote, where the fate of Chairman David Hann will be determined by the party members’ decision on whether to embrace change or maintain the current leadership structure.