A conservative grassroots group in North Dakota has kicked off what it calls the biggest door-knocking effort the state has ever seen, aiming to hit 100,000 homes ahead of the 2026 elections.
Citizens Alliance of North Dakota (CAND) recently unveiled the ambitious plan to rally support for candidates who back limited government and individual freedoms. The organization, founded by Executive Director Brandon Prichard, focuses on endorsing lawmakers who commit to the principles outlined in their Pledge [1]. These include protecting property rights, pushing for school choice, and cutting unnecessary spending.
The group already has 32 pledge signers [2] serving in the North Dakota Legislature. CAND’s strategy centers on direct voter contact to highlight these candidates and challenge those seen as out of step with conservative priorities.
Last year, CAND volunteers reached nearly 18,000 doors [3] across the state. Now, the group is scaling up dramatically for 2026, with plans to cover more ground and engage voters on key issues like parental control in schools and lowering property taxes.
Prichard emphasized the power of personal outreach. “Doors win wars,” he told the Daily Caucus [4]. “The only way we save our country is one door at a time. That’s why we’re building a grassroots army to elect champions who will fight for freedom in Bismarck.”
The campaign comes as North Dakota’s political landscape shifts. Term limits set to take effect [5] will open up seats, expanding from just four competitive races in 2018 to 16 expected in 2026. CAND intends to target contests in which pledge signers take on establishment incumbents, using door-to-door canvassing to inform voters.
This approach draws from successful models elsewhere, including efforts by Citizens Alliance, led by CEO Cliff Maloney. In Pennsylvania, Maloney’s PA Chase program deployed 120 ballot chasers to knock on more than 510,000 doors [6] during the 2024 election cycle. The initiative focused on low-propensity Republican voters, encouraging them to request and return mail-in ballots.
That effort boosted former President Donald Trump’s share of the mail-in vote in Pennsylvania from 20% in 2020 to 34.5% against Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, contributing to his victory [7] in the state and the White House.
Citizens Alliance’s work in Pennsylvania involved hiring full-time door-knockers and following up repeatedly until ballots were cast. The group reported knocking on doors six days a week, targeting voters who aligned on issues but needed motivation to turn out.
In North Dakota, CAND’s expanded operation follows a similar playbook, prioritizing face-to-face conversations over digital campaigns or large events. Volunteers will knock on doors statewide to educate voters about candidates who align with the pledge.
Prichard highlighted the growing energy among conservatives. “Conservatives are energized, and the momentum is on our side,” he said. “With term limits around the corner, we’re boosting fresh voices that will make North Dakota a true liberty state, free from the grip of left-wing Republicans who hide behind the party label.”
As elections approach, this door-knocking push could reshape how grassroots groups operate in sparsely populated states like North Dakota. By focusing on direct engagement, CAND aims to boost turnout among voters who might skip the polls, potentially tipping close races.
The organization’s leaders say the effort is about putting North Dakotans first, ensuring elected officials stay accountable. With volunteers already mobilizing, the campaign marks a bold step in conservative organizing for the Midwest.