Janice R. Andrews
The Minnesota Republican Party has a new leader following a decisive vote by the state central committee on Saturday. Alex Plechash, a Wayzata City Council Member and Marine Corps veteran, unseated long-time chair David Hann, marking a significant transition for the state GOP.
Plechash, who previously served as an RNC national committeeman, defeated Hann in a closely watched election. His primary focus is reunifying the party and preparing for the crucial 2026 gubernatorial race. In his post-election comments, Plechash emphasized the need for a cohesive strategy and bringing all Republican-affiliated organizations together.
Hann’s tenure, which began in 2021, was notable for two key achievements: breaking the Democrats’ complete control of the State Capitol and stabilizing the party’s financial situation. The party successfully eliminated a substantial debt, with a major fundraising boost coming from a Donald Trump-headlined event. Hann expressed satisfaction with leaving the party in a financially sound position.
The new chair’s immediate priorities include rebuilding donor relationships and attracting fresh support. Plechash aims to present a compelling vision that will entice potential donors by demonstrating the party’s strategic potential.
The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party quickly responded to Plechash’s election, with Chair Ken Martin criticizing the choice and suggesting a shift towards more extreme elements within the GOP. However, Plechash’s supporters view his election as a promising new direction for the party.
In a related leadership change, Donna Bergstrom was re-elected as deputy chair, defeating Kip Christianson. Bergstrom has been focused on expanding the party’s appeal to younger and more diverse voter groups.
With extensive political experience dating back to 2004, including multiple Republican National Convention delegations, Plechash brings a wealth of background to his new role. His leadership will be crucial in shaping the Minnesota Republican Party’s strategy for upcoming elections.
