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Minnesota Republicans gaveled in for their 2026 endorsing convention Friday morning in Duluth. On their agenda are votes for U.S. Senate and gubernatorial candidates, along with other statewide hopefuls.

Several candidates have said they hope to win the endorsement but they’ll move on to an August primary if they don’t get it.

Delegates filled the exhibit hall of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center where many wore “Make America Great Again” hats and other red, white and blue apparel. The party diehards will weigh in on endorsements Friday and Saturday.

Daniel Hanson, 77, of Champlin came decked out as Uncle Sam, wearing red and white striped pants, a blue coat and a white top hat. This is the fourth GOP convention he’s attended. He said he hopes to hear strong support for the U.S. military from Republican candidates.

“Our country would be going in the wrong direction with Democrats. People are complaining about us defending Israel,” Hanson said. “But if the United States didn't defend Israel right now, Israel would be a part of Iran.”

Thomas O’Neill, a delegate from Otsego, said he’s participated in conventions as a delegate for 16 years. The 56-year-old small business owner said he plans to support former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze in the race for U.S. Senate. Former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya and 2024 GOP nominee Royce White, along with several others, are also in the running. But he hasn’t made up his mind in the race for governor.

“I'm really undecided. I've never been an undecided guy, but I'm really undecided in that specific race,” O’Neill said.

He said his top issues include ensuring life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

“It's my belief, if you don't have life, you can't have liberty. If you don't have liberty, you can't pursue your happiness,” O’Neill said.

House Speaker Lisa Demuth, businessman Kendall Qualls and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell had an edge in straw poll contests heading into the convention.

Minnesota Democrats are also meeting this weekend to endorse candidates at their convention in Rochester.

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Party diehards will vote on their top picks for governor, U.S. Senate this weekend in Duluth.

A man poses for a photo dressed in an Uncle Sam costume with a white hat.

Republicans gavel in for 2026 endorsing convention with key races on the line

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