Door County Republican Party Chairperson Stephanie Soucek hopes smoother waters are ahead for Wisconsinites and Americans after a significant period of change. Soucek believes last week’s election of Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice Susan Crawford over Republican-endorsed Brad Schimel was the culmination of the growing displeasure with the threats of tariffs and the Elon Musk-led effort to trim government programs and staff through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Stock markets worldwide tumbled after President Donald Trump announced wide-ranging tariffs last week, causing U.S. stock indices to lose about $5 trillion. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite gave investors brighter news to start the day with a three percent jump before 9 a.m., and Trump Administration officials announced that several countries have asked to negotiate due to the proposed tariffs. Soucek understands that the tariffs and DOGE cuts will bring on some initial pain. She trusts the process and hopes the struggles turn into triumphs down the road.

Democrats took to the streets to express their displeasure with the Trump administration's current direction, with “Hands Off” protests occurring across the country. We will try to feature a local chairperson of the Democratic Party later in the week.