In the 2024 presidential election, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students cast more votes for the Republican candidate and current President Donald Trump than in 2020. Under new leadership, UWL College Republicans have returned to welcome politics enthusiasts and conservative thinkers.
The Racquet Press met with Carter LeFevre-Tomlin, the chair and founder of the reformed UWL College Republicans. He transferred from UW-Platteville, where he was the vice president of their club.
LeFevre-Tomlin partly credited former Vice President Kamala Harris’ campus rally as a turning point in the decision to revive the group. He was in attendance and recalled her response to the individuals who heckled the event; “Oh, you guys are at the wrong rally. No, I think you meant to go to the smaller one down the street,” said Harris.
Around the same time, he discovered the university had a UWL College Democrats club, but no such club for his party. He saw this lack of representation as a problem that needed amending, especially considering Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance also held successful pre-election events in the area.
“I was kind of wondering where the other side was. And so, I just took it upon myself to start it,” he said.
Ryan Kitzan, second-year student at UWL, expressed hope that President Trump’s election win will boost the club’s attendance by drawing in people who identify with his views.
“Given the last election results … I think that suggests some unfulfilled demand here,” Kitzan said.
For students who wish to pursue a career in politics, the club hopes to provide career and networking opportunities with guest speakers from the Republican Party. At their Feb. 11 meeting, La Crosse County GOP Vice Chair Bill Feehan, came to speak with members and encourage them to get involved.
It’s an “off-year” for the party, meaning there isn’t a presidential election, but that doesn’t mean the work stops. The club intends to inform students about what it means to be a Republican and recruit as many community members to the party as possible. In the future, they plan to host voter registration drives, phone banking events, group outings and more.
While the UWL College Republicans will focus on right-wing politics, all are welcome. Meetings will help break down President Trump’s executive orders, Republican legislation and policy positions to make the issues more accessible.
Member Cole Andren said, “Even though I’m a Republican, I was not very educated on it, so I definitely learned more about it.”
“Seeing that turnout and the people that really find that going to the club is worth their time is really nice … It’s just good to see that in the end you did something and it has importance,” Andren said.
In 2022, the previous UWL College Republicans disbanded after some members chalked hateful messages around campus. LeFerve-Tomlin made clear that the messages are not in alignment with the views of the group, nor will such actions be tolerated.
UWL College Republicans meet bi-weekly in Centennial room 2301 and will meet again at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. To join, message @uwlaxcrs or sign up on MyOrgs.
