Opinion - The GOP's Wisconsin loss is a stark reminder: You can't neglect local government

Yahoo

12-04-2025

Brad Schimel's loss to Judge Susan Crawford last week should serve as a wake-up call for Republicans nationwide. Despite a massive financial investment from Elon Musk and an endorsement from President Trump, the conservative Schimel lost decisively, preserving the Wisconsin Supreme Court's 4-3 liberal majority.
This disappointing defeat in what once was a conservative area is a cautionary tale for Republicans, and it confirms that local government threatens the future of the Republican Party on a national level.
Local government is always a proving ground for liberty-focused principles like limited government, fiscal responsibility and growth via business development (as opposed to high taxes). City councils, county boards and state courts don't just implement policy — they substantially influence the political landscape where national battles are won or lost. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is a bold example of this idea. Now, the court is poised to rule on issues like redistricting, abortion and labor unions. Its liberal majority will threaten to redraw congressional maps in ways that could cost Republicans seats in the U.S. House.
This is not just about one local seat; it is about a cycle of disregard.
Too often, Republican energy is shunted into prominent national races, leaving local contests hung up: underfunded, understaffed and, frankly, underwhelmed. While crucial, the national focus on general elections overlooks the grassroots infrastructure that all but guarantees enduring victory. Posts online from influential conservatives like Jack Posobiec echo this sentiment, as he laments, 'This is a wakeup call for MAGA. You can't rely on big names like Trump or Elon to carry us in every off-cycle election. You need a machine that fights every race down to the local level.'
The Wisconsin results prove him correct. Democrats outraised and out-mobilized Republicans, turning Musk's millions into a sad story about money without a gameplan. This is why I decided it was essential to get involved in my own community, by joining my city council in Huntington Beach, Calif.
People are afraid to get involved in local politics, for fear of being canceled (or worse). But you'd be surprised by how empty that threat is. The lion's share of city residents wants reasonable-minded leaders to creatively address complex issues with fortitude and not fear.
Huntington Beach is a bastion of pragmatism in a state that is dead-set on becoming a colossal policy failure, given its runaway taxes, ballooning crime, growing homelessness and dangerous drug abuse. In a recent ranking, it was revealed as California's best-run city, based on its high quality of services, education and healthy residents. All of this can be traced back to reasonable city government, which can direct money toward public safety, law enforcement, mental health services and ordinances that prevent criminals from destroying the fabric of the community. This is exactly the opposite of what we have seen from our neighbor, Los Angeles.
Our city hosts massive events every year, and people come from all over the state because they know it's a safe city. And they are quickly reminded that a Republican-run city is a well-organized, clean city. My hope is that they will bring that realization back to their own communities.
Traditional GOP strongholds are being redistricted, and in many cases, voter turnout is slim. This reflects a motivated Democratic base and a Republican one that sits out when Trump's name isn't on the ballot. Closing the gap requires a fundamental shift: more investment in local party infrastructure, better voter education and candidates who connect with communities year-round, not just during national cycles.
For true conservatives, the lesson is straightforward. If you want a smaller federal government, local government should be your focus. It isn't a distraction from the national agenda — instead, it's the foundation that makes it possible. A party that gives up city halls and courthouses risks losing the war for America's future, no matter who sits in the White House. Wisconsin's Supreme Court loss can be a harbinger for a catastrophic calculus if Republicans doesn't change.
Prioritizing local power must happen now, before the scenario plays out once again.
Andrew Gruel, a graduate of Johnson and Wales University, is a food entrepreneur and television personality. He is the founder of Slapfish Restaurant Group based out of Huntington Beach, Calif., and the CEO and founder of American Gravy Restaurant Group.
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