Former Edina Legislator Elected MN GOP Party Chair

Former State Rep. Keith Downey was elected chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota in a landslide vote on Saturday, April 6.

Delegates elected Downey to succeed outgoing Chairman Pat Shortridge by a wide margin—228 votes for Downey, with runner-up Bill Paulsen receiving only 72 votes. The former Edina legislator served two terms in the House of Representatives and was vice chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Downey said his election represents a new start for the Republican Party of Minnesota.

“Today we start a new and exciting chapter in the story of the Minnesota Republican Party,” Downey said, in a release. “While challenges remain, we can be optimistic about the future of our party. We will be going back out to the people of Minnesota, and I will be encouraging all Minnesotans to take a fresh look at the Republicans.”

DFL Chairman Ken Martin congratulated Downey on his new position, saying he looks forward "to a healthy exchange of ideas" with his GOP counterpart in the comings months and years.

“I wish Chairman Downey success in his new endeavor to rebuild the Minnesota Republican Party," Martin said. "While there are great ideological differences between our two respective parties, I believe it is vitally important for democracy’s sake to have vibrant, active political organizations which represent the values of each respective party."

Downey, who lost a close race last fall to DFLer Melisa Franzen for State Senate District 49, has a background in business consulting and was once a partner at Virchow Krause Consulting.

Saturday's vote also saw current Party Deputy Chair Kelly Fenton reelected for a second term and former congressional candidate Chris Fields elected party secretary.

Fields thanked Shortridge for all of his work over the years, praising his efforts "to restore credibility to our party."

"His outstanding work makes it possible for the new leadership team to focus on growing our party and spreading our positive message to young people, minorities, farmers, miners and anyone interested in policies and reforms that work,” Fields said.

All three individuals' new leadership terms started immediately, with Chairman Pat Shortridge promising a smooth transition.

“I will be helping Keith and the new leadership team any way I can as we work to elect Republicans to office at all levels,” Shortridge said.

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