December 18th, 2021
PRESS RELEASE: Next-generation republicans leaders stifled
Bismarck, Ronald Regan Republican Center -
On December 18th, 2021 the NDGOP State Committee passed an amendment changing their by-laws to remove the North Dakota Young Republicans and the North Dakota College Republicans as voting members on the NDGOP State Committee and place them in Ex-Officio non-voting status.
NDYR is disappointed by the actions of the party. The North Dakota Young Republicans (NDYR) was founded and exists to support the Republican party platform and to Recruit, Train, and Elect the next generation of leaders. NDYR is a member of the Young Republicans National Federation (YRNF) consisting of state Young Republican committees across the nation whose membership ranges from ages 18-40. This includes the vast millennial population and up-and-coming Generation Z in North Dakota. Young Republicans are the future, and the future is now.
NDYR has had a seat on the NDGOP State Committee since 2019 serving to represent the young professionals of the Republican party. While lauded for their effort during campaigns by such figures as Kevin Cramer, NDYR’s effort to make their voice heard in other aspects of the political process were received with disapproval by the Party. At the State Committee meeting, the agenda included an amendment to remove the NDYR’s & CR’s from the board, completely. The concern was stated over double representation for Young Republicans, as their district chair was also present. In response to this, a motion was made by District 2 Chairman, Justin LaBar, to remove other positions from the State Committee that were doubly represented. NDYR applauds this motion and is in full support, yet the motion was ruled out of order. While NDYR commends the State Committees' decision to keep YRs on the board (though as non-voting members), they are saddened by this double standard. It has become clear that the NDGOP State Committee desires complete control of the political process, including the youth of North Dakota. NDYR remains committed as ever to the principles of the Republican party that our country was founded upon. Yet it appears the NDGOP would choose power over potential allies.
The goals of the North Dakota Young Republicans are aligned with the Republican Party platform. NDYR is unashamedly pro-life and stands with the party platform, including that traditional marriage is between one man and one woman. NDYR seeks to advocate for conservative principles, limited government, and personal responsibility in North Dakota. While we are saddened to see the divisive state of the Party, NDYR will continue to stand for these principles that have made our state great. NDYR is passionately emboldened to continue to “Recruit, Train, and Elect” the next generation of young professional conservatives in our great state of North Dakota.
- Your NDYR Leadership Team