CD7 Delegates Seated and Leadership Elected

Successful Congressional District Convention Held

Republicans from Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District convened in Detroit Lakes on Saturday for their annual convention. The agenda featured the election of new Congressional District leadership and revisions to the party’s Constitution and By-laws.

A key step in the convention was the approval of the “Final Credentials Report,” which lists the delegates and seated alternates present who represent their Basic Party Organizational Units (BPOUs). Typically, this report is unanimously accepted by a voice vote. 

When the voice vote was called to approve the Final Credentials Report on Saturday, the result was too close to determine. Delegates shouted “Division!”—triggering a parliamentary procedure requiring a manual count of votes. Attendees stood to signal their support or opposition, and Convention Chair Jonathon Aanestad announced the report had failed, 138 to 143. Reflecting on his years of experience, he noted he’d never witnessed such an outcome.

The dispute centered on which Otter Tail County delegates should be seated—those selected in 2022 or 2024. Delegates are typically chosen in even years at Basic Party Organizational Unit (BPOU) conventions from the attendees of that year’s precinct caucuses. Once again, the Congressional District leadership and Credentialing Committee opted to recognize the 2022 Otter Tail County delegates. However, that year’s BPOU convention had been marred by controversy, including allegations of improperly seated precinct caucus delegates who hadn’t attended the caucus event. Republicans who had attend the precinct caucuses were barred from participating in that convention. The fallout had fueled an ongoing conflict.

A lunch break was called, delegates exited the Detroit Lakes High School gym to enjoy box lunches and discuss the morning’s events. Meanwhile, Congressional District leaders, Otter Tail County BPOU representatives, and other stakeholders huddled to explore solutions. Eventually, a creative compromise emerged: all Otter Tail delegates—both 2022 and 2024—gathered at one end of the gym and agreed to draw names from a hat, letting chance determine who would be seated.

After lunch, the convention reconvened. Otter Tail County delegates drew names one by one, moving from the full pool to the chosen group. Though not everyone could be seated, the process diffused tensions peacefully. Chair Jonathon Aanestad then presided over a new motion to accept the revised Final Credentials Report, now reflecting the “luck of the draw” Otter Tail delegates. Five hours after the initial snag, the report passed with a resounding, nearly unanimous voice vote.

The election of Congressional District leaders brought the organization a new Chair. Bret Bussman was elected to lead the Congressional District. Bussman campaigned on unity, transparency and marketing CD7.  He has plans to use the precinct strategy to expand the voter and donor base. Bret Bussman will bring his experience leading state-wide organizations and his commitment to servant leadership to the role. 

In a dramatic turn, Tiffany Lesmeister-Knott secured her position as Deputy Chair of the Seventh Congressional District (CD7) after a tie-breaking second vote. With years of leadership experience in the district, Lesmeister-Knott returns to the role with a strong agenda. She aims to bolster election integrity across CD7 and statewide while working to reclaim the Minnesota Legislature for the party.

The elections continued bringing new and returning faces to the Seventh Congressional District (CD7) leadership team. Nathan Miller was elected as the CD7 State Party Representative, while Tim Nanson will continue serving as Treasurer. Jilann Axt won the role of Secretary. The six Vice Chair positions were filled by Heidi Ahmann, Steve Boyd, Matthew Franzese, Katie German, Lisa Murphy, and Lisa Tilney.

The day concluded with updates to the Constitution and By-laws—a process often rushed or skipped due to time constraints. This year, however, delegates remained committed, working through the revisions with care and attention.

The convention’s success shines through in both the business accomplished and the civility maintained. Party leadership was elected, governing documents were refreshed, and Republicans of diverse perspectives engaged in thoughtful discussion, debate, and voting—exactly as intended.

Heartfelt thanks go to the convention organizers, volunteers, attendees, the Becker County BPOU, and Detroit Lakes High School for making this a well-executed event.