SD 53 Convention 2026

In Minnesota Republican politics, a BPOU (Basic Political Organizational Unit) convention is the critical “second step” of the grassroots process, occurring after the precinct caucuses. Since Senate District 53 covers a specific geographic area (communities of South St Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Sunfish Lake, Newport, Saint Paul Park, Grey Cloud Township with parts of West Saint Paul and Mendota Heights.), its BPOU convention is where local activists formalize their influence.

Here is what typically happens at the SD53 BPOU Convention:

1. The “Call to Order” and Seating

The convention begins with the Credentialing Committee report. Only the delegates and alternates who were elected at their neighborhood precinct caucuses (held on February 3, 2026) are eligible to vote.

• Seating: If a delegate is absent, an alternate from the same precinct is “seated” in their place to ensure the district has full representation.

2. Endorsement of Candidates

This is often the most high-stakes part of the day. Delegates vote on whether to endorse a Republican candidate for the State Senate or State House seats within District 53.

• The 60% Rule: To receive the official party endorsement, a candidate must typically win 60% of the delegate vote.
• Significance: An endorsement grants the candidate access to party resources, data, and the “Sample Ballot” sent to voters.

3. Election of Higher-Level Delegates

The convention must elect the people who will represent SD53 at the next levels of the party hierarchy:

• Congressional District (CD2) Convention (May 2, 2026) : To endorse a candidate for U.S. Congress.
• State Convention: To endorse statewide candidates (like Governor or U.S. Senate) and vote on the state party platform.
• State Central Committee: These are the “permanent” representatives who vote on state party business throughout the year.

4. Platform Resolutions

Resolutions that were passed at the local precinct caucuses are debated and voted on.

• If a resolution passes here, it moves on to the State Convention. This is how grassroots members influence the official Republican Party Platform on issues like taxes, education, and election integrity.

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Make a PCR refundable contribution of $75 and your convention fee is waved.

Minnesota refunds contributions made by individuals eligible to vote in Minnesota, to a recognized political party or to a qualified candidate for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state auditor, state senator, or state representative, up to a maximum of $75 per calendar year for an individual or $150 per calendar year for a married couple filing jointly. 

Download the 2026 PCR form here: