PEWAUKEE — The only official Presidential watch party in the state was hosted by the Republican Party, but supporters left at the end of the night feeling uneasy since no winner was declared.
“I thought it would be a little stronger for Trump at this point,” Patty Sukalich, a Trump supporter said.
“We’re cautiously optimistic,” Barb Schaefer, another Trump supporter said.
It was a sentiment felt by many inside the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee. There were ups and downs all night as the Fox News broadcast announced who was leading in key battleground states. But, with several states yet to be called for either candidate, including Wisconsin, many didn’t expect it to be this close.
“With all the support I’ve seen for Trump, no,” Scott Esser of Pewaukee said. “I didn’t think it would be any bit this close to here.”
“This is a long night, and people have to be patient,” Terry Dittrich, Chairman of the Waukesha County Republican Party said.
Dittrich did anticipate it being this close. However, he’s focusing on the other successes down ballot for the GOP.
“We’ve held our ground and picked up some,” Dittrich said. “We’re in good shape that way. We just have to bring it home for the President.”
While the party wrapped up around 12:30 a.m. and Wisconsin hadn’t been decided, the supporters at the party felt, no matter which way the Badger State goes, President Trump would be re-elected.