State GOP party regroups after election loss, launches review and enacts removal policies

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The state Republican Party is looking to hit the reset button after another statewide defeat by launching a post-election analysis and enacting new removal policies amid some finger pointing at party leadership.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin recently approved a new code of conduct that includes a process to remove county party chairs and other executive members if they harass or publicly defame party officials or GOP lawmakers.

The new bylaws, which require party members to treat one another with respect and decorum, were approved earlier this month by the executive committee as some tension between state and local party officials persists.

Ken Sikora, chair of the Oconto County Republican Party and recently elected to lead the GOP's 8th congressional district, slammed the new removal policy and raised free speech concerns.

"From what I’m told, they intend to make it impossible to speak out against the party, post any social media about the party, disclose information about the party," Sikora said in a video posted on Facebook.

Schimming argued the new policies will "absolutely not" interfere with individuals' first amendment rights.

The new rules also prohibit sexual, verbal or physical harassment of party officials and members and efforts to undermine or defeat a Republican candidate for office after they won the primary.

Some county chairs have questioned Schimming's leadership after conservative Brad Schimel's 10-point loss in the state Supreme Court race. It marked Republicans' 15th loss in the last 19 statewide elections since Donald Trump took office in 2017.

Sikora has recently called on Schimming to step down as chair.

In wake of the defeat, the party recently launched a post-election analysis Schimming said will evaluate things such as message, field operations, spending, advertising and more.

"This is an opportunity for folks to say, here's some things that worked well, here's some things that didn't work, and maybe we shouldn't be doing those again," said Schimming.

Hilario Deleon, chair of the Milwaukee County Republican Party, said he's supportive of the election review but hopes party members listen to input from county chairs.

"I think the county parties need to take charge, and I don't think party leadership should be conducting their own operation," Deleon said.

Deleon also supports calls for Schimming to resign.

"I think it's time that Chairman Schimming does step down," Deleon said. "I think accountability needs to happen across the entire board."

Schimming, first elected as chair in 2022, defended his record and dismissed calls to step down.

"For me, what's important is to make sure we're pushing ahead," Schimming said. "We make course corrections as we go on to win more elections. It's as simple as that."

Disagreements within the party are likely to play out during next month's state convention. The annual state GOP convention will be held May 16-17 in Rothschild.

Party infighting between the grassroots and leadership previously unfolded during the 2023 annual state convention when delegates booed Assembly Speaker Robin Vos after he refused calls to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Some grassroot members also tried unsuccessfully to oust Vos through party resolutions and recall efforts.