The word RINO, or “Republican in Name Only,” has become a favorite political weapon. It is used to denigrate Republicans someone deems not conservative enough, not loyal enough, or not pure enough to meet their latest standard. What started as a critique of conservative moderation has become a wedge that divides Republicans and weakens our ability to win.

The real questions are who defines a RINO, and how much damage is done when Republicans shoot at each other instead of at the left’s agenda?

At its core, RINO was meant to describe Republicans who abandoned foundational values by supporting bigger government, higher taxes, or siding with Democrats against conservative policy. But today, the label is slapped on for little more than a photo with a Democrat, an offhand comment about a program, or a single vote someone dislikes. In some circles, simply refusing to sign a loyalty pledge is enough. In the Trump era, it has been applied not only to moderates, but to conservative politicians who disagree on tactics, geographic names, or election results. The definition shifts with outrage, as seen when social media users even questioned Ted Cruz’s conservatism.

There is no rulebook or authority to decide who is or isn’t a RINO. The power lies with whoever shouts the loudest. Groups like Club for Growth and self-styled “RINO Hunters” keep hit lists, which talk radio and cable news amplify, while social media spreads the accusation like wildfire. In that environment, redemption is nearly impossible. What one faction calls betrayal, another calls leadership or principled compromise. But to the purist, the reasoning is circular: “If you disagree with me, you’re a RINO, my mind won’t change, and you’re dead to me forever.”

The purist preachers inside the party add little real value. They don’t advance repeal of ranked-choice voting, they don’t build relationships, and they don’t invest in candidates. They don’t draft legislation or fight the left’s policies in their op-eds. Their tools are a keyboard and a Twitter handle, and their mission is not governing but purity policing. They celebrate when Republicans are attacked and cheer when chaos weakens the party, chasing fifteen minutes of fame instead of long-term solutions for Alaska.

Much of this is nothing more than gaslighting, designed to manipulate public perception and enforce conformity. It is not an honest critique but a tactic to make conservative politicians doubt themselves while amplifying outrage for clicks and attention. In Alaska’s 2026 races, this division will fracture Republicans further unless we reject it in favor of unity and results.

We must reclaim the dignity and respect that define conservatism. A Republican’s actions, whether crafting policy to strengthen Alaska’s economy or standing firm on platform planks, deserve recognition for intent, not condemnation for method. Engaging Democrats in dialogue is not weakness but leadership. In a state like Alaska, resource development and infrastructure often require collaboration and even compromise. Respecting those efforts honors the diversity of our voters, especially the Independents and Undeclared’s, who we need to win.

Conservative history is full of these purity fights. The New Deal split the party in the 1930s. Gingrich’s revolution fractured Republicans in the 1990s. The Tea Party battles left scars more recently. But social media supercharges that division today, rewarding outrage over results. Democrats understand the power of unity. Too often, Republicans do not.

The cost in Alaska is already visible. We are heading into a governor’s race with nine or more candidates. Instead of rallying behind a Republican who can win, purist preachers risk splintering the field and ensuring another fractured outcome. Meanwhile, critical issues such as spending, the size of government, resource development, and defending freedom are drowned out by the noise. The GOP cannot shrink to a small circle of purity and expect to keep or even attain the majority.

The term RINO once carried meaning. Now it has become a tool for conformity and control, wielded not to defeat Democrats but to dismantle Republicans. It is no longer about principle, but about the power of one faction to “take down” a politician over their particular determination of conservativism. That power is being wasted, turned inward against our own side.

The Republican Party is at its best when it welcomes conservatives of all kinds, united by freedom, responsibility, and opportunity. Purity tests and loyalty pledges don’t win elections. Results do. Voters want leaders who protect jobs, families, and freedom, not a party so consumed with self-policing that it loses sight of its mission.

If Republicans are serious about beating back bigger government, stopping the woke agenda, and protecting Alaska’s future, then unity, not purity, must be our standard. That means respecting the different ways conservatives serve, whether through bold policy or respectful dialogue. We cannot save Alaska if we are busy burning down our own house. True accountability happens at the ballot box.

Originally published on Substack: https://kevinjmccabe.substack.com/p/end-the-rino-hunt