The recent Supreme Court election in Wisconsin has sent shockwaves through the state’s Republican Party, and frankly, it’s about time. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the GOP’s internal turmoil is playing out in public, with some members openly calling for the resignation of their chair, Brian Schimming. Personally, I think this isn’t just about a single election loss—it’s a symptom of a much deeper issue within the party’s strategy and leadership.
Let’s start with the numbers, because they’re hard to ignore. In a state that’s historically been a battleground, the GOP’s performance has been, well, underwhelming. Take the Supreme Court race: Chris Taylor, the Democratic candidate, didn’t just win—she dominated in counties that Donald Trump carried in 2024. Ozaukee County, for instance, hasn’t voted for a Democrat in a presidential election since 1964, yet Taylor flipped it. What this really suggests is that the GOP’s grip on traditionally red areas is slipping, and that’s a huge red flag for November’s gubernatorial race.
From my perspective, the problem isn’t just about fundraising, though that’s a big part of it. The state GOP contributed a mere $163,000 to their candidate, Janet Lazar, compared to the $863,000 the Democrats poured into Taylor’s campaign. But here’s the thing: money alone doesn’t win elections. It’s how you use it, and the GOP’s strategy seems outdated. One thing that immediately stands out is their lack of a cohesive message. As Billie Johnson, an RPW executive committee member, pointed out, their messaging is ‘bland.’ In a political climate where polarization is the norm, bland doesn’t cut it.
What many people don’t realize is that the Democrats’ success in Wisconsin isn’t just about money—it’s about mobilization. Under Ben Wikler’s leadership, the state Democratic Party transformed into a well-oiled machine, raising hundreds of millions and redefining how Supreme Court races are won. The GOP, on the other hand, seems to be stuck in the past. If you take a step back and think about it, their approach feels more like a local club than a national-level political operation.
This raises a deeper question: Can the Wisconsin GOP recover in time for November? The governor’s race is wide open, and with Trump-endorsed Rep. Tom Tiffany on the ticket, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But with the party’s leadership in question and their strategy in disarray, it’s hard to see a clear path forward. Personally, I think Schimming’s departure might be the first step, but it’s far from the only one.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the contrast between the GOP’s internal criticism and their public statements. Schimming insists that the party is ‘dedicated to continue improving,’ but his critics argue that time has run out. This disconnect highlights a broader issue: the party seems more focused on deflecting blame than addressing the root causes of their failures.
If the GOP wants to turn things around, they need to do more than just replace their chair. They need a complete overhaul—a ruthless fundraiser, a clear message, and a strategy that matches the Democrats’ intensity. As Dan O’Donnell, a Wisconsin talk show host, put it, they need their own Ben Wikler. But finding that person is only half the battle. The real challenge will be convincing the party to embrace change.
In my opinion, the Wisconsin GOP’s current predicament is a cautionary tale for Republicans nationwide. Wisconsin is a microcosm of the broader political landscape, where local races have national implications. If the GOP can’t get its act together here, it doesn’t bode well for their chances in 2028, when Wisconsin will once again be a key battleground.
What this moment really calls for is introspection. The GOP needs to ask itself: What does it stand for? How does it plan to win? And most importantly, is it willing to adapt? Because if the answer to that last question is no, then all the calls for Schimming’s resignation won’t matter. The party will remain stuck in a cycle of decline, and that’s a future no Republican should want.
