MILWAUKEE – Stephanie Soucek was in the room when Republicans formally nominated Donald Trump as their presidential candidate. She feels like she was part of history.
“It just felt like a very monumental thing,” said Soucek, who is the Republican Party’s vice chair in the 8th congressional district.
Soucek is a delegate from Door County, which in 2022 went for both a Republican, Sen. Ron Johnson, and a Democrat, Gov. Tony Evers. She said the county is considered an electoral bellwether because it accurately reflects how the country will vote as a whole.
“I think it's since 1996 [that] whoever we voted for ends up becoming president,” Soucek said. “It's an interesting dynamic, and we've got some independent-minded voters who don't always vote party line.”
The theme of Tuesday was "Make America Safe Once Again." And though crime numbers are down nationally, after a spike during the pandemic, Soucek said it’s about how people feel, not statistics.
“We just need to make sure people are held accountable when they commit crimes, and that will help make neighborhoods safer and make people feel safer in those neighborhoods,” Soucek said.
The theme also lent itself to conversations about border security. Representative Bryan Steil, R-Janesville, said it’s essential to put Trump back in the White House if we want to see a change on the southern border, though Biden’s most recent policies in part have led to a decrease in illegal crossings.
“He could today if he wanted to end catch and release, end abuse of the parole system, reinstate stay in Mexico and restart border wall construction, but we're going to have to elect President Trump to get that done,” Steil said.
Republican leaders are encouraging these delegates to vote early and spread the word about Trump after the Convention. It’s a mission Soucek is taking to heart.
“We're really focusing on reaching voters who maybe don't vote as often,” she said.
Getting out and voting early is what Soucek said will help Republicans compete with Democrats. She also said the GOP needs to make it clear how Trump and Biden differ on big issues.
For now, she’s soaking up all the convention has to offer.
“It's just taking in history, being a part of history, and having an influence and a say in the direction our country is going,” Soucek said. “The whole thing is special.”