Judy Estenson, from left, Shane Goettle and Matthew Simon are candidates for chair of the North Dakota Republican Party. (Estenson photo provided by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly. Other photos provided by the candidates.

Saturday could be the most important republican event of the year in North Dakota. The GOP is electing new leadership amid divisions within the party.

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) – A divided North Dakota Republican Party elected a newcomer its new chair Saturday, with a nearly tied vote reflecting a split in the party.