Former President Donald Trump is set to headline the Minnesota Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Reagan dinner this year, marking his first visit to Minnesota of the 2024 election cycle.
Minnesota GOP chair David Hann expressed enthusiasm for Trump’s participation, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome President Trump back to Minnesota to headline our Lincoln Reagan dinner, an annual tradition that reminds us of the roots of our Party and the leaders who have been most impactful in promoting our American values.”
The event, expected to take place next week during the Minnesota GOP’s annual convention in St. Paul starting on May 17, will be co-hosted by House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer. Emmer emphasized Trump’s candidacy, asserting, “Joe Biden’s failed policies are showing Minnesotans each day that President Trump is the only choice to lead our country forward. Let’s put America First and win in November.”
In response to Trump’s upcoming visit, Minnesota Democrats sought to minimize its significance. Minnesota DFL chair Ken Martin criticized the Minnesota GOP’s alignment with Trump’s agenda, stating, “By doubling down on Donald Trump and his MAGA agenda, Minnesota Republicans are tying their fate to his in November. Minnesota voters have repeatedly rejected Donald Trump and his efforts to ban abortion, take away their health insurance, and attack our democracy. Republicans up and down the ballot will have to answer for why they are abandoning Minnesota values and kissing Donald Trump’s ring.”
Despite Trump’s 2020 loss to President Joe Biden in Minnesota by seven percentage points, Trump campaign officials recently indicated to Republican donors that Minnesota is among the states “in play” for the 2024 election, according to NBC News. Minnesota has maintained a lengthy Democratic winning streak in presidential elections dating back to the 1970s.
