Wisconsin Republicans Reflect on Turbulent Times Ahead of State Convention
Rothschild, WI – Just six months after celebrating a resilient performance in the 2022 elections, the Wisconsin Republican Party faces unrest ahead of its annual convention this Saturday. Despite retaining U.S. House seats and legislative majorities, a significant setback emerged from a recent state Supreme Court election. Democratic Judge Susan Crawford triumphed over GOP-backed Judge Brad Schimel by ten points, establishing a liberal court majority that could influence abortion rights, congressional redistricting, and labor laws until at least 2028.
Criticism has surfaced for state party chairman Brian Schimming, who pledged to investigate the loss but declined interview requests. Some party members, like state Rep. Brent Jacobson, argue that the defeat was more a reflection of heightened Democratic voter mobilization than a failure in leadership. “Democrats were super energized and simply turned out in far greater numbers,” he stated, expressing satisfaction with Schimming’s tenure and commending his push for early voting.
Political science professor Julia Azari weighed in on the GOP’s challenges, noting Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with Trumpism. While Trump secured victories in both 2016 and 2020, the backlash against his policies—such as trade tariffs—has generated pushback within the state. Azari believes the unfavorable outcome of the Supreme Court race also stemmed from resistance to nationalized political dynamics, a growing sentiment among Wisconsin voters.
Looking forward, Jacobson hopes for unity ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race, where current Democrat Tony Evers has yet to confirm a bid for a third term. As the GOP prepares for what could be a competitive primary season, Jacobson emphasizes the importance of learning from past electoral experiences to strengthen party cohesion and resource allocation.
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