Wisconsin Young Republicans: The Rally You Didn’t Hear About [WRN VOICES]

You may have heard there was a political rally this past weekend with Patriots who have strong opinions on the Republican Party and the future direction the party should take. The Patriots’ event actually sold out and tickets for entry had to be cut off the day before the event because the capacity of the venue had been maxed out! Attendees cheered and applauded as speakers talked about taking back their government. Have you seen the social media and news coverage of this rally? No, you haven’t!

The rally I speak of was a rally of the members and supporters of Wisconsin Young Republicans, also known as the YR’s for short. You probably haven’t heard about this rally because this rally was about unifying and helping Republicans win elected office, not recalling one of their own. There were no costumes, gimmicks, or people in masks that feed the narrative of a divided party. The opposition, in the eyes of the YR’s and the speakers at the rally, aren’t fellow Republicans or the Republican Party itself but Democrats who are turning Wisconsin and the Nation into a liberal wasteland.

As former Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman and Whitehouse Chief of Staff under President Trump, Reince Preibus told ABC on Jan. 14, “Division is pure profit. It makes you popular. So if you’re dividing you make money and you’re popular.” This isn’t what the YR’s are about.

Young Republican members range in age from 18 to 40 years of age. The Wisconsin YR charter, part of the National YRs, has become a very active group. The membership has grown in recent years after its initial charter in 2016 under Chairman Jake Margis, followed by past Chairman and current National Vice Chairman, Wisconsin State Representative Nik Rettinger and now under the leadership of the current Chairman Kyle Schroeder.

In the past, YRs have volunteered to help candidates for local office – I was out with them as they did doors for candidates for the school board in Burlington – to judicial races, State Representative and Senate races, Congress, U.S. Senate and President. Wisconsin YRs made 3.2 million voter contacts in the 2020 election, 60,000 voter contacts in the Spring 2021 election, 2 million contacts in 2022 and 50,000 contacts in the Spring 2023 election.

YR’s have volunteered to travel to help elect candidates where needed. A group of YR’s traveled to LaCrosse to help Congressman Derrick Van Orden win his election in Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District. Many YRs are also running for political office and WINNING! These include YRs at the local level in school board races, state representative races and even judicial races.

One of the speakers at the rally on Saturday was State Representative Barbara Dittrich. She spoke of the razor thin margins that have separated Wisconsin statewide elections over the past seven years.

Dittrich said we need to come together and get our message out to those persuadable voters; younger voters saying this is a key strength of YR’s as they are uniquely positioned to engage young voters and can win those voters over and be the difference in close elections. Other Speakers included Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow and Republican Majority Leader Tyler August who both brought humor and encouragement echoing the need to work hard and be united, leaving the crowd feeling hopeful about the future. It was refreshing to see Republicans united helping Republicans to win and not listen to finger-pointing and excuses of past elections.

The youth of our country are our future. It is good to know there are patriots who are active with the Young Republicans in shaping the future of our state and Nation. There are lessons we can learn from the Young Republicans and Speakers at this rally. We win elections by coming together – not being divided. None of us are going to agree on 100% of everything. The key to winning elections is being engaged with voters. I take solace knowing young patriots are stepping up to run for office, helping others win elected office and are working bring to Republicans together. Perhaps these Patriots, these Young Republicans can be the model for how we as a Republican Party can win going forward. Who knows, maybe one of them may even invent a better pillow?

Rich Strohm

Rich Strohm is the founder of Burlington Area Conservatives, current 1st Congressional District Republican Party Executive Board Member, former 1st Vice Chair of Walworth County GOP, and former Walworth County GOP Executive Board Member.

Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Andrew Hitt to Step Down

Wisconsin Young Republicans Thank Him for Years of Support

PRESS STATEMENT

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Andrew Hitt, who has led the Republican Party of Wisconsin for more than two years, announced Wednesday he will be stepping down as Party chairman. Hitt will be stepping down to focus on his family and private-sector career. Rebuilding the party after statewide losses to maneuvering through the pandemic and navigating the 2020 presidential election, Hitt was right in front on the political front lines. 

Hitt spent much of his time as Party chairman assisting and advocating for the Wisconsin Young Republicans. Chairman Nik Rettinger said, “I would like to thank Andrew Hitt for all he has done for the Republican Party of Wisconsin. As State Chair of the Wisconsin Young Republicans, it was vital to our growth to have a strong ally at the head of the party. We could not have accomplished what we did in the short time we did, such as becoming a nationally award winning YR state federation, without Andrew’s partnership. Our entire organization would like to congratulate Andrew Hitt on all he accomplished in turning the party into a strong fighting force for 2022, and we wish him all the best.”

 

About the Wisconsin Young Republicans

The Wisconsin Young Republicans (WIYR) is the official chartered Wisconsin Chapter of the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF). The Young Republicans, under the mission of Recruit, Train, Elect, bring together Republicans aged 18 - 40 to foster civic involvement, educate on current issues and provide effective grassroots campaign support to Republican candidates for office as well as YRs who run for office. For more information, please visit www.wisconsinyrs.gop

Young Republican National Federation Award 2021 Winners and Elect National Board

Wisconsin Young Republicans Receive 2021 State Federation of the Year Award

WAUKESHA, WI. – The Wisconsin Young Republicans (WIYRs) were announced as the recipient of the 2021 State Federation of the Year Award Saturday at the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF) biennial National Convention hosted in Indianapolis, Indiana where over 700 Young Republicans gathered. The top award recognizes great effort by a state federation's leadership team and membership in carrying out major election operations and growing the party within the young professional age bracket of 18-40 within their state. True to the YRNF mission, Recruit. Train. Elect, the WIYRs in 2020 from the Spring Election onwards carried out over 3 million voter contacts in the state, held numerous training to grow party grassroots activists, started new local clubs, and deployed teams to other states to flip or hold Congressional seats for the GOP.

WIYR State Chairman Nik Rettinger said, “This is an incredible honor for all our members that worked so hard last year under incredibly difficult circumstances and yet never wavered. Most of our members have full-time careers, own their own homes, started families, and are involved in churches or other community groups. Selflessly, many of these responsibilities were all set aside to carry out our election deployments and advance the principles of the Great Opportunity Party. I have always been grateful to our YRs, but this is something more. While much was accomplished in the herculean effort of knocking doors and making calls for the President, Congress, and state legislators, we know there is so much yet ahead. The Wisconsin Young Republicans stand ready to be the tip of the spear in 2022, to flip the 3rd Congressional, hold U.S. Senator Johnson’s seat, and retake the Governor’s mansion. YRs are the now, and it will truly be the year of the Young Republican.”

During the Convention, Nik Rettinger was elected to join the YRNF Board as Chair of the State Chairman’s Association (SCA). All state federation chairman in attendance from the United States, including recently chartered Hawaii, Idaho, and Puerto Rico, cast a unanimous ballot for Rettinger to take the reins of the entity that operates as a semi-autonomous entity within the YRNF.

“I was very humbled to be approached by National Chairman Rick Loughery to join his team and run for the national board," said Nik Rettinger. “I think the nomination demonstrates how impactful the work the WIYRs do in the Badger state continues to be. I look forward to ensuring my fellow state chairs are empowered to have the opportunity to similarly impact their chapters and bring about major victories in the midterm elections across America. The future is truly bright for the Young Republicans."

 

About the Wisconsin Young Republicans

The Wisconsin Young Republicans (WIYR) is the official chartered Wisconsin Chapter of the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF). The Young Republicans, under the mission of Recruit, Train, Elect, bring together Republicans aged 18 - 40 to foster civic involvement, educate on current issues and provide effective grassroots campaign support to Republican candidates for office as well as YRs who run for office. For more information, please visit www.wisconsinyrs.gop

 

About the Young Republican National Federation

The Young Republicans (YRs) are the oldest political youth organization in the United States. Important to the growth of the Republican Party, the YRs reach out to registered Republicans, 18 to 40 years of age, and provide them with better political knowledge and understanding of the issues of the day. Since its creation, the YRNF has established itself as the premier Republican grassroots organization in the nation, providing essential grassroots support for Republican candidates and conservative issues on the local, state and national levels. No matter what your long-term goals may be, the YRs serve as the building blocks for a successful future. For more information, please visit www.yrnf.com

Wisconsin Young Republicans Endorse Rick Loughery for Young Republican National Federation Chairman

The election will take place at the biennial YRNF Convention July 24th-28th in Omaha

Waukesha, WI – The Wisconsin Young Republicans (WIYR) proudly endorsed Rick Loughery as their choice for the next Chairman of the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF). The WIYRs plan to send delegates to the biennial YRNF Convention taking place July 24th-28th in Omaha, Nebraska to support Rick and his highly experienced team.

“Wisconsinites know what it takes to build a successful political organization. Since the Conservative revolution in Wisconsin and the historic 2012 recall attempt of Governor Scott Walker, we have campaigned aggressively at all levels. In 2016, the WIYRs helped turned Wisconsin red in a presidential election for the first time since 1984. In 2018, we provided key deployments to vulnerable districts to hold the GOP majorities in the Wisconsin Legislature. These victories were no easy task and were won district by district building a successful ground game, sound campaign strategy, and developing coalitions that work toward our shared goals. Rick has shown all those qualities in his successful work as State Chairman of fellow battleground state Pennsylvania,” said Wisconsin Chairman Nik Rettinger III.

Rettinger further stated: “The YRNF, much like our state chapter here in Wisconsin, has the opportunity to be the tip of the spear and help make the difference in key races. Especially in a swing state learning red like Wisconsin, races are relatively close and won on the margins which is where the Young Republicans, through membership recruitment and targeted campaigning, can truly make the difference. Rick has demonstrated to our team here that he has the campaign experience, fundraising capability, and foresight to take the YRNF to the next level and ensure the House Majority is reestablished, the Senate Majority is held, and President Donald J. Trump is reelected to another term.”

Upon learning of Wisconsin’s endorsement, Loughery said: “I’m honored to have the support of the Wisconsin Young Republicans. We are building a team of young leaders across the country as we change the face of the Republican Party, and I’m excited to have Chairman Nik Rettinger and his team on board.  More than just talk, Young Republicans are about action. In Wisconsin, Nik and his team’s plans to engage young voters and support Republican candidates up and down the ballot through grassroots activism are exactly what we need in every battleground state. Together, we will develop young conservative leaders, target key races and re-elect President Trump in 2020.”

 The Wisconsin Young Republicans (WIYR) is the Wisconsin Chapter of the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF). The Wisconsin Young Republicans was formed to bring together high school, college and young Republicans between the ages of 18 to 40. Our mission is to foster civic involvement, educate our members on current issues and to provide avenues for conservatives to provide their time and energy to support Republican candidates for office. Our office is located at 1701 Pearl Street #5, Waukesha, WI 53186. For more information about the WIYRs or our local chapters, please visit www.wisconsinyrs.go

Wisconsin Young Republicans Announce Resignation of Chair, Jacob Margis.

MILWAUKEE. – Jan. 4, 2018 -- Wisconsin Young Republicans (WIYRs) announced today that Jacob Margis has resigned as Chairman, effective January 1, 2018. Mr. Margis' resignation was accepted by the Board of Directors, with his departure from the WIYRs he will assist in the transition of his duties and responsibilities to the Chairman Emeritus.

Mr. Margis commented: "The past three years have been an amazing journey. At the beginning, there were only four of us who had the passion and a little crazy to start a brand new organization without any outside support in an already existing system in Wisconsin politics. There were many times where we wanted to give up on the idea of building a new organization; just like a business, but we never gave up. Through perseverance and hard work, we successfully built the Wisconsin Young Republicans into a great organization that brings new people and new ideas to Republican politics. Our generation is considered to be the largest voting demographic in American politics today, so establishing our organization is paramount to continuing on our past successes in turning Wisconsin red in 2014, 2016, and hopefully 2018."

I came into this position with three goals: setting a foundation for our new organization, recruiting a good team of committed individuals, and getting more young conservatives involved in Wisconsin politics. I know we have achieved those goals. Stepping down was not an easy decision for me; I have prayed about this over the past couple of months and talked with family and friends. However, being a leader means you need to know when to step down and let new leadership step up and expand its organization's goals and reach. We have a lot to be proud of and this is only the beginning. I look forward to serving in an advisory role as Chairman Emeritus to the organization and the new Chairwoman, Samantha Machart. I wish her, the WIYR Executive Board, and its chapters the best of luck as it leads in promoting our conservative principles for many generations to come."

 

During Mr. Margis' time as Chairman he accomplished the following successes: 

  • Established seven chartered chapters with two to three emerging chapters
  • Recruited over 250 young conservatives to get involved in the organization
  • Raised nearly $15,000 since the organization's inception
  • Hosted the first WIYR Biennial State Convention in April 2017
  • Built a new WIYR brand and culture for the organization: Lead by example, work hard, and have fun
  • Assisted seven candidate's campaigns (US Senate, Congress, State Senate, and State Assembly) in their election for public office

 

About the Wisconsin Young Republicans

The Wisconsin Young Republicans (WIYR) is the Wisconsin Chapter of the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF). The Wisconsin Young Republicans was formed to bring together high school, college and young Republicans between the ages of 18 to 40. Our mission is to foster civic involvement, educate our members on current issues and to provide avenues for conservatives to provide their time and energy to support Republican candidates for office. For more information about YR of Wisconsin, please visit wisconsinyrs.gop.

 

Contact: Samantha Machart
Chairwoman
Wisconsin Young Republicans
262-271-5267
wisconsinyoungrepublicans@gmail.com 
wisconsinyrs.gop

Statement on Tax Reform

Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act into law, an action that has been decades in the making. This piece of legislation takes your hard earned money back from the politicians in Washington and puts it where it belongs - your own pocket. 

The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act brings down the tax rate for middle-class families. By doubling the standard deduction, and increasing the child tax credit, families will be able to keep more of their hard-earned wages. By preserving the Home Mortgage Interest Deduction and eliminating the intrusive individual mandate, the middle class finally get the break they have been asking for and have needed for decades. 

Main Street will see a first-of-its-kind tax deduction, reducing their effective tax rate to no more than 29.6%. Small businesses drive our economy and employ millions of American workers. Allowing them to reinvest their income into their businesses will lead to higher paying jobs and more job openings for the American workforce.
 
Our corporations will finally see a tax code that will allow them to compete with foreign companies. Beginning January 1, 2018, the United States will no longer have the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world. By eliminating special interest deductions, and reducing the tax rate, businesses have a more equitable tax code that allows them to remain in the U.S. and gives them the opportunity to compete abroad. 
 
The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act sends a message to the United States of America and the world. It's a message that resonates with our hard-working taxpayers in the great state of Wisconsin. The law makes it clear; the American people are best suited to determine how to spend their hard-earned paychecks, not the government. Thanks to President Trump and a Republican Legislature, the United States is Open for Business again!