Port: NDGOP executive director Andrew Nyhus resigns

MINOT — Andrew Nyhus, the executive director of the North Dakota Republican Party, has resigned that position.

He says he's taking a position with a group to advocate for school choice policies, an issue he's passionate about.

"The role of a party administrator, your opinions shouldn't be a part of it," he told me. "I don't think the party should have much of a role in policy."

Nyhus says he's accepting a contract with the American Federation for Children, and plans to work on the issue during the current legislative session in Bismarck. "Stepping down allows me to do that."

He said his departure from the party was "friendly."

"I think the door is open there. I'll find ways to contribute somehow in the future," he added.

In an email sent to the NDGOP's state committee, which was shared with Forum Communications, party chair Sandi Sanford agreed that the split was amicable. "This transition is friendly and something we mutually agreed upon," she wrote. "As we move through this off-year, it’s an ideal time to reflect on our structure, strengthen the NDGOP brand, expand our reach, and ramp up fundraising in preparation for the 2026 elections. We are grateful for Andrew’s work in the past year to do just that."

Sanford didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Nyhus, who was hired in mid-December 2023, came in amid turbulence. He was brought on after a months-long search conducted after his predecessor, South Dakota activist David Roetman, resigned after my reporting uncovered a long history of bigoted and misogynistic posts on social media.

Roetman made dozens and dozens of ignorant social media posts, ranging from caddish digital gawking at women in various states of undress to jokes about women making sandwiches to a bigoted suggestion that Black Americans leave the country and move to "Wakanda".

He lasted roughly two weeks on the job.

Nyhus's tenure on the job was fraught with internecine conflict among Republicans. The NDGOP's state convention got off to a rocky start with an hours-long debate between populist and traditional Republican factions in the party over whether to seat a group of Dickinson-area delegates, including House Majority Leader Mike Lefor. That convention also denied endorsements to two Republican women with lengthy tenures in office.

Department of Public Instruction Superintendent Kirsten Baesler was denied an endorsement for a fourth term in office, while then-Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak was passed over in the U.S. House race. Both women went on to win on the statewide ballot by wide margins, with Fedorchak getting more votes than any other candidate in a competitive race, including President Donald Trump.

As populist activists have taken over control of local NDGOP districts, some Republicans have sought to end the party's endorsements. House Bill 1446, sponsored by Rep. Mike Nathe, would have required all candidates to petition for access to our state's June primary ballot. Currently, candidates endorsed at political party conventions get automatic access.

The bill failed in February on a 58-32 vote.

Nyhus's exit comes at an opportune time for the party. The winter and spring months following an election are when the party reorganizes and elects new leadership.