A State GOP Leader Discusses Coming Together in a Politically Charged Climate

It’s a conversation beginning with reflections on recent tragedies — from school shootings to high-profile acts of violence. Ken Sikora, chairman of the Republican Party’s 8th Congressional District in Wisconsin, joins Mark Becker, host of Rational Revolution to discuss the impact of these events and coming together in a politically charged climate. He also addresses the challenge of having these conversations as a father with two daughters.  

“It’s one thing to hear that this happened. It’s another when we see these videos up close,” Sikora says. “It should shock people into asking, what is going on here? What’s the root cause?”

---

Listen to the entire discussion here:

The question becomes a thread throughout the program. It weaves into the debates about political rhetoric, mental health, and the growing divisions in American society. Sikora expresses frustration with the leaders of both parties who, in his view, profit from division. 

“There’s money being made on both sides,” he explains. “It’s disgusting.”

The discussion turns deeply personal when Sikora talks about his sister, who is a lesbian, and the distance it has caused in his family. He believes that disagreement over faith and sexuality should not automatically mean hatred. Becker draws from his own family experiences and asks Sikora whether viewing an LGBTQ identity as a “sin” truly allows for equality. The exchange highlights the tensions many families face in reconciling religious beliefs with acceptance of loved ones.

Both men find some room for agreement especially with a need to lower the temperature in politics. Becker says Americans have to stop judging entire groups by extreme examples, whether it’s abortion, immigration, or transgender rights. 

“If we’re going to find solutions in the middle, we need to stop living in the extremes,” Becker explains. 

Sikora shares his own willingness to challenge Republicans he believes have failed, pointing to former Congressman Mike Gallagher as an example. He praises current Congressman Tony Wied as a political outsider who embodies the kind of leadership both parties should welcome.

As the program closes, Becker sums up the spirit of the exchange in this way:  

“There are some things that are bigger than scoring political points. We have to find middle ground if we’re ever going to heal,” Becker says.