--- title: Wright GOP --- [Skip to content](https://www.wrightgop.org#main-content) [![Circle Logo](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Circle%20Logo.png?width=600&height=600&name=Circle%20Logo.png "Circle Logo")](https://wrightgop.org?hsLang=en) # Welcome to the # Republican Party of Wright County Representing State House Districts 17A, 29A, 29B, and 30A [Elected Officials](https://www.wrightgop.org/wright-county-elected-officials?hsLang=en) [Events](https://www.wrightgop.org/events?hsLang=en) [Parades](https://www.wrightgop.org/parades?hsLang=en) [Media](https://www.wrightgop.org/media?hsLang=en) [Calendar](https://www.wrightgop.org/calendar?hsLang=en) [Donate!](https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/donations) ## St. Patrick's Grande Day Parade Meet at 1:00 PM in Maple Lake - we are unit #34 ![1](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/1.png?width=940&height=788&name=1.png "1") ### Walk with the Wright GOP! Support your local Republican representatives and our local BPOU (Basic Political Organizational Unit)... - Representative Marion Rarick - Senator Bruce Anderson [Sign up to Walk with us!](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNLibsFtsHrGCpDQgJjELFVHseMpPIibMNkNlG5ErA_Tg05w/viewform) ### Call to Action! Email Governor Walz! Tell him not to shift mandatory spending to counties. ### Click to: [mailto:tim%2Ewalz@state%2Emn%2Eus?cc=%20tim%2Emankato@state%2Emn%2Eus;Nadine%2ESchoen@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus;Kirby%2Emoynagh@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus;Jeanne%2EHolland@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus;Darek%2EVetsch@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus;Tina%2EM%2EDiedrick@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus;Greg%2EKryzer@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus%20&subject=Opposition%20to%20State%20Funding%20Shifts%20to%20Counties&body=Governor%20Walz%2C%0A%0AI%20am%20writing%20to%20express%20my%20deep%20concern%20regarding%20the%20proposed%20state%20budget%20plan%2C%20which%20shifts%20the%20financial%20responsibility%20for%20critical%20state%2Dmandated%20programs%20onto%20Minnesota%27s%20counties%2C%20including%20Wright%20County%2E%20These%20funding%20reallocations%20will%20substantially%20increase%20the%20local%20tax%20burden%2C%20particularly%20through%20higher%20property%20taxes%2C%20without%20reducing%20service%20levels%20or%20granting%20counties%20meaningful%20input%20in%20the%20decision%2Dmaking%20process%2E%20%0A%0AWright%20County%20is%20among%20the%20fastest%2Dgrowing%20regions%20in%20Minnesota%2C%20and%20this%20proposal%20would%20place%20an%20unsustainable%20financial%20burden%20on%20our%20residents%2E%20Shifting%20costs%20for%20services%20that%20have%20traditionally%20been%20the%20state%27s%20responsibility%20undermines%20the%20partnership%20between%20the%20state%20and%20its%20counties%2E%20More%20importantly%2C%20it%20places%20a%20strain%20on%20local%20taxpayers%2E%20%0A%0AI%20strongly%20urge%20you%20to%20reconsider%20this%20approach%20and%20work%20collaboratively%20with%20county%20leaders%20to%20develop%20an%20alternative%20strategy%20for%20addressing%20the%20state%27s%20budget%20challenges—one%20that%20avoids%20placing%20undue%20burdens%20on%20local%20communities%2E%20%0A%0AThank%20you%20for%20your%20attention%20to%20this%20critical%20issue%2E%20%0A%0ARespectfully%2C%0A%0A%0A%0A](mailto:tim%2Ewalz@state%2Emn%2Eus?cc=%20tim%2Emankato@state%2Emn%2Eus;Nadine%2ESchoen@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus;Kirby%2Emoynagh@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus;Jeanne%2EHolland@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus;Darek%2EVetsch@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus;Tina%2EM%2EDiedrick@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus;Greg%2EKryzer@co%2Ewright%2Emn%2Eus%20&subject=Opposition%20to%20State%20Funding%20Shifts%20to%20Counties&body=Governor%20Walz%2C%0A%0AI%20am%20writing%20to%20express%20my%20deep%20concern%20regarding%20the%20proposed%20state%20budget%20plan%2C%20which%20shifts%20the%20financial%20responsibility%20for%20critical%20state%2Dmandated%20programs%20onto%20Minnesota%27s%20counties%2C%20including%20Wright%20County%2E%20These%20funding%20reallocations%20will%20substantially%20increase%20the%20local%20tax%20burden%2C%20particularly%20through%20higher%20property%20taxes%2C%20without%20reducing%20service%20levels%20or%20granting%20counties%20meaningful%20input%20in%20the%20decision%2Dmaking%20process%2E%20%0A%0AWright%20County%20is%20among%20the%20fastest%2Dgrowing%20regions%20in%20Minnesota%2C%20and%20this%20proposal%20would%20place%20an%20unsustainable%20financial%20burden%20on%20our%20residents%2E%20Shifting%20costs%20for%20services%20that%20have%20traditionally%20been%20the%20state%27s%20responsibility%20undermines%20the%20partnership%20between%20the%20state%20and%20its%20counties%2E%20More%20importantly%2C%20it%20places%20a%20strain%20on%20local%20taxpayers%2E%20%0A%0AI%20strongly%20urge%20you%20to%20reconsider%20this%20approach%20and%20work%20collaboratively%20with%20county%20leaders%20to%20develop%20an%20alternative%20strategy%20for%20addressing%20the%20state%27s%20budget%20challenges—one%20that%20avoids%20placing%20undue%20burdens%20on%20local%20communities%2E%20%0A%0AThank%20you%20for%20your%20attention%20to%20this%20critical%20issue%2E%20%0A%0ARespectfully%2C%0A%0A%0A%0A)`Generate Email` (email includes copy to county commissioners and county administrator) ## Response to Walz's proposed budget cuts/shift to counties! ### Letter to the Editor (submitted the first week of May) Letter to the Editor: As Chair of the Wright County Republicans, I am deeply concerned about Governor Walz's proposed budget cuts, which shift mandatory state spending to county governments. This approach unfairly burdens counties like Wright County, threatening our financial stability and the equitable governance Minnesotans deserve. The governor's plan includes a $1.3 billion reduction in health and human services spending over four years, with counties expected to shoulder a significant portion of these costs. For example, the five percent county share for residential services for disabled individuals alone saves the state $400 million. However, counties have limited revenue-raising tools, relying primarily on property taxes. This shift forces local governments to increase property taxes, disproportionately impacting rural and suburban residents with smaller tax bases. Many of the affected services, such as disability waivers, are mandated by federal or state law and cannot be reduced or eliminated. This leaves counties with no choice but to absorb the financial burden, undermining their ability to fund other critical services like infrastructure and public safety. Governor Walz's budget shift may provide relief for the state, but does so at the expense of Minnesota's counties and residents. What needs to happen is for Gov. Walz to reverse the reckless spending spree he initiated with the 2023-34 legislative DFL trifecta. Hone up to his mistakes and get budgets back to 2022 when we were financially solvent and sitting on an $18 billion surplus. We urge state leaders to reject the Walz proposal and prioritize solutions that uphold the well-being of all Minnesotans. Sincerely,  Wright County Republicans # Meet the SD29 Candidates # State Senate District 29 Endorsement Candidates (In alphabetical order by last name) - ![Christianson-1](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Christianson-1.png?width=280&height=350&name=Christianson-1.png) Kip Christianson - ![Diedrick-1](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Diedrick-1.png?width=280&height=350&name=Diedrick-1.png) Hover message - ![Franzen](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Franzen.png?width=280&height=350&name=Franzen.png) Hover message - ![Holmstrom-2](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Holmstrom-2.png?width=280&height=350&name=Holmstrom-2.png) Hover message - ![Mihajlov-1](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Mihajlov-1.png?width=280&height=350&name=Mihajlov-1.png) Hover message > ### Kip Christianson > > > > ![Christianson](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Christianson.png?width=250&height=313&name=Christianson.png) > > #### PRINCIPALED. CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP. > > "Kip is a seventh-generation Minnesotan and Monticello City Council Member who is running for State Senate to stand strong for rural conservative Minnesota values and fight to fix a deeply-broken state." > > "Professionally, Kip is a consultant who helps small local businesses and families be successful and in 2024, President Trump trusted Kip to serve as State Deputy Director for his campaign." > > Find out more at:  [https://www.kipchristianson.com/](https://www.kipchristianson.com/) --- > ### Tina Diedrick > > > > ![Diedrick](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Diedrick.png?width=250&height=313&name=Diedrick.png) > > #### ADVOCATING FOR THE ISSUES YOU CARE ABOUT. > > “I’m running for Senate District 29 to ensure our voices are heard, our values are upheld, and our future is bright. Together, we can promote economic growth, root out waste, fraud and abuse, invest in law enforcement and public safety, promote road and bridge improvements, invest in the Wright Tech Center to train up more students in skilled labor jobs, keep taxes low, return academic rigor to our schools, defend your right to bear arms, support parental rights, and protect and defend life.”  > > “My campaign is about building a future where every family can thrive, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves to get it done!” > > Find out more at:  [https://www.facebook.com/tina.diedrick](https://www.facebook.com/tina.diedrick) --- > ### Jason Franzen > > > > ![Franzen](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Franzen.png?width=250&height=313&name=Franzen.png) > > #### COURAGE. CREDIBILITY. CONTRAST. > > "I have stood for conservative principals when it wasn't easy or popular.  My record and my words match.  You can look them up.  You will find real differences between me and the others in this race.  I don't blend in--I stand out..  As a friend of the late senator, I step forward not to just fill a seat, but to continue a legacy of faith, integrity, and service." > > "I am unapologetically a believer in Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.  I believe every human being has the right to be born and to live until a natural death." > > > > Find out more at:  [https://www.facebook.com/jason.citycouncil/](https://www.facebook.com/jason.citycouncil) --- > ### Michael Holmstrom > > > > ![Holmstrom-1](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Holmstrom-1.png?width=250&height=313&name=Holmstrom-1.png) > > #### WE NEED A FIGHTER WHO WILL STAND FOR TRUTH. > > > > "I’ve spent years fighting for our values—limited government, safe communities, and Strong Families. Now I’m taking that fight to St. Paul. As a husband, father, small business owner, and conservative leader, I’m ready to challenge the status quo and defend what matters. Let’s protect our future and take back Minnesota, together." > > "This campaign isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting a way of life. I’d be honored to earn your support" > > Find out more at:  [https://www.mike4mnsenate.com/](https://www.mike4mnsenate.com/) --- > ### Melinda Mihajlov > > > > ![Mihajlov](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Mihajlov.png?width=250&height=313&name=Mihajlov.png) > > #### HONOR. COURAGE AND COMMITMENT TO MY COMMUNITY. > > "With an impeccable track record and a heart for public service, Melinda Mihajlov is the leader to steer the nation towards excellence." > > "I will fight for all citizens God given rights, no exceptions. With Honor, Courage and Commitment." > > Find out more at:  [https://www.facebook.com/share/19QpVXVQ8N/](https://www.facebook.com/share/19QpVXVQ8N/) [![Wright County GOP Logo](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/GOP%20VECTOR%20LOGO%20outlined.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=GOP%20VECTOR%20LOGO%20outlined.jpg "Wright County GOP Logo")](https://wrightgop.org?hsLang=en) **SD29 OFFICIAL SPECIAL ENDORSING CONVENTION CALL**   TO: **Delegates and Alternates residing within SD29** in the Republican Party of Wright County Basic Political Unit (BPOU)   Pursuant to the constitution of the Republican Party of Minnesota and pursuant to the Official 2025 Call for the Republican Party of Minnesota BPOU Conventions issued by the Republican Party of Minnesota State Executive Committee, the Republican Party of Wright County BPOU is hereby called to meet at:   Discovery Elementary School **301 2nd Ave NE.** **Buffalo, MN 55313** **Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 6:00 PM** **This is a school. NO FIREARMS!**   Registration opens at 5:00 PM and closes at 6:20 PM.   The Republican Party of Wright County BPOU Delegation shall be composed of delegates and alternates residing within Senate District 29 selected by the Precinct Caucuses on February 27th, 2024.   The convention shall be held for the purpose of: 1. Endorsing a candidate for Senate District 29 2. No other business will be allowed   NOTE: A quorum is needed to transact any business.  Your attendance is important.   **Registration Fee: $20 Delegates and Alternates** **$10/all guests 18 and over (Must have Delegate present upon registration)**   Save time and register in advance online until August 5th at: [https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/sd29convention2025](https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/sd29convention2025) Pay at door, cash or check payable to Republican Party of Wright County. ![2025 SD29 Convention QR code](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20SD29%20Convention%20QR%20code.png?width=200&height=200&name=2025%20SD29%20Convention%20QR%20code.png "2025 SD29 Convention QR code") [SD29 Rules](https://www.wrightgop.org/hubfs/SD29%20Convention%202025/2025%20SD%2029%20Convention%20Rules.doc?hsLang=en)   [SD29 Agenda](https://www.wrightgop.org/hubfs/SD29%20Convention%202025/2025%20SD%2029%20Convention%20agenda.docx?hsLang=en)   Prepared and paid for by the Republican Party of Wright County P.O. Box 63, Monticello, MN 55362 | www.wrightgop.org --- # OFFICIAL BPOU CONVENTION CALL   TO: **Delegates and Alternates** in the Republican Party of Wright County Basic Political Unit (BPOU)   Pursuant to the constitution of the Republican Party of Minnesota and pursuant to the Official 2026 Call for theRepublican Party of Minnesota BPOU Conventions issued by the Republican Party of Minnesota State ExecutiveCommittee, the Republican Party of Wright County Basic Political Unit is hereby called to meet at:   Buffalo High School, 877 Bison Blvd, Buffalo, MN on Saturday, February 21st at 9:00 AM. **Buffalo High School** **877 Bison Blvd** **Buffalo, MN 55313** **Saturday, February 21, 2026, 9:00 AM** **This is a school. NO FIREARMS!**   Registration opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 9:30 AM.     The voting body of this convention shall be composed of delegates and alternates elected at the Precinct Caucuses on February3rd, 2026 in Senate Districts 29 and 30 and the precincts from SD17 within the borders of Wright County.   **Pre-registration Fee: $25 Delegates and Alternates**  Add $1.50 if registering with a credit card. **$10/all guests 18 and over (Must have Delegate present upon registration)**  Add $1.50 if registering with a credit card. The convention shall be held for the purpose of: 1. Endorsement of Candidates for House and Senate of districts 29 and 30. 2. Approval of changes to the BPOU Constitution. 3. Election of Delegates and Alternates to the CD6 and State Conventions. 4. Election of any vacant BPOU Board positions. 5. Transaction of other business that may properly come before the convention.   Those who wish to make any BPOU Constitution changes, or wish to be nominated as a candidate, or have otherquestions, please email Dan Schonhardt at [chair@wrightgop.org](mailto:chair@wrightgop.org) no later than February 11th by 5:00pm.   Dan Schonhardt, Republican Party of Wright County BPOU, Chairman Jilann Axt, Republican Party of Meeker County BPOU, Chairman Dan Breyen, Senate District 30 Republicans, Chairman   *NOTE: A quorum is needed to transact any business. Your attendance is extremely important.*   Save time and register in advance online until February 11th at 5 PM: [https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/sd29convention2025](https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/sd29convention2025) Pay at door, cash or check payable to Republican Party of Wright County. ![qr-wright-county-gop-bpouconvention2026](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/qr-wright-county-gop-bpouconvention2026.png?width=200&height=200&name=qr-wright-county-gop-bpouconvention2026.png "qr-wright-county-gop-bpouconvention2026") ### Convention Documents: - [Convention Agenda](https://www.wrightgop.org/hubfs/Convention%202026/Convention%20Agenda.pdf?hsLang=en) - [Convention Rules - Revised](https://www.wrightgop.org/hubfs/Convention%202026/2026%20Convention%20Rules%20revised.pdf?hsLang=en) - [Proposed Constitution Change](https://www.wrightgop.org/hubfs/Convention%202026/Proposed%20Constitution%20change.pdf?hsLang=en) - [2026 Convention Call](https://www.wrightgop.org/hubfs/Convention%202026/Convention%20Call%202026.pdf) --- # Happy 250th America! Happy America's 250th year of Independence! Let's continue the celebration! ![America 250](https://www.wrightgop.org/hs-fs/hubfs/1000049451.png?width=800&height=1000&name=1000049451.png "America 250") --- # Voter Resources - [Register or Update Your Voter Registration online](https://mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/VoterRegistration/index) - [What's on My Ballot?](https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/whats-on-my-ballot/) - [2025 General Election Absentee Ballot PDF](https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/5600/2024-presidential-primary-large-print-absentee-ballot-application.pdf) - [2025 PCR Application PDF (political contribution refund)](https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2025-05/pcr-25.pdf) - [Get Involved!](https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/get-involved/) ## Where do I vote? - [Poll Finder](https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/) --- # Political Contribution Refund Program ## Have control over where your tax dollars go! The Political Contribution Refund program is available to individuals who are eligible to vote in Minnesota. Your political contributions made between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026 may qualify for a refund, and you may file one refund application per year.   **Your contributions to the Wright County Republican BPOU qualifies you for this refund!**   ### [Click here for more information...](https://www.wrightgop.org/pcr?hsLang=en) [DONATE TODAY!](https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/donations) [25.00](https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/donations?amount=25) [35.00](https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/donations?amount=35) [50.00](https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/donations?amount=50) [75.00](https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/donations?amount=75) [150.00](https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/donations?amount=150) [Other](https://secure.winred.com/wright-county-gop/donations) \* Clicking one of the buttons above will direct you to WinRed -a secure platform to complete your regular contribution.  Not to be used for special events or conventions! --- ## BPOU Meeting Information ### Our monthly business meeting is held on the first Wednesday of the month. ### Next meeting: November 4, 2026 It will be at [Huikko's/Bison Creek Event Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bison+Creek+Bar+and+Dining/@45.1863694,-93.8788604,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x52b4a3c2ea330977:0x35d9a505f2fb856c!2sBison+Creek+Event+Center!8m2!3d45.1863694!4d-93.8766664!16s%2Fg%2F11f6lqn8nr!3m5!1s0x52b4a370e2e61049:0x4eda2f2ecbdc185a!8m2!3d45.1862647!4d-93.8774124!16s%2Fg%2F11gj5djv58) in rooms 1 & 2 at 6:30PM. If you plan on eating, it is easiest for everyone to get there early and dine in the restaurant/bar area. Otherwise please order from the bar and you will be given a pager for when your food is ready. We cannot thank Huikko's enough for accommodating our meetings.    Email [Nora](mailto:events.wrightgop@proton.me), our Events Coordinator, with questions you may have. [Huikko's/Bison Creek Event Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bison+Creek+Bar+and+Dining/@45.1863694,-93.8788604,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x52b4a3c2ea330977:0x35d9a505f2fb856c!2sBison+Creek+Event+Center!8m2!3d45.1863694!4d-93.8766664!16s%2Fg%2F11f6lqn8nr!3m5!1s0x52b4a370e2e61049:0x4eda2f2ecbdc185a!8m2!3d45.1862647!4d-93.8774124!16s%2Fg%2F11gj5djv58) - rooms 1 & 2 [1207 MN-25 Buffalo MN 55313](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bison+Creek+Bar+and+Dining/@45.1863694,-93.8788604,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x52b4a3c2ea330977:0x35d9a505f2fb856c!2sBison+Creek+Event+Center!8m2!3d45.1863694!4d-93.8766664!16s%2Fg%2F11f6lqn8nr!3m5!1s0x52b4a370e2e61049:0x4eda2f2ecbdc185a!8m2!3d45.1862647!4d-93.8774124!16s%2Fg%2F11gj5djv58) - [Home](https://www.wrightgop.org) - [Elected Officials](https://www.wrightgop.org/wright-county-elected-officials) - [Local Recommended Candidates](https://www.wrightgop.org/candidates26) - [Events](https://www.wrightgop.org/events) - [Calendar](https://www.wrightgop.org/calendar) - [Parades](https://www.wrightgop.org/parades) - [BPOU Documents](https://www.wrightgop.org/bpou-documents) - [Local Candidate Questionnaire](https://www.wrightgop.org/candidate-recommendations) - [Media](https://www.wrightgop.org/media) - [Contact Us](https://www.wrightgop.org/contactus) - [PCR](https://www.wrightgop.org/pcr) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wrightgop) [Follow us on X](https://x.com/GopWright) [Follow us on Instagram](https://instagram.com/wright.gop/) ## Republican Party of Wright County P.O. Box 63 Monticello, Minnesota 55362 ## ©️2026 Republican Party of Wright County. All rights reserved. © 2026 Republican Party of Wright County