Ryan reassures GOP of November wins

WAUKESHA, Wis. — House Speaker Paul Ryan says he’s confident Republicans will triumph at the polls in November, while at the same time acknowledging that midterm elections are often tough for the president’s party.

Ryan delivered an upbeat message to Waukesha County Republicans Saturday night and said of the GOP nationally, “We’re going to win.” He cited Republican successes under Donald Trump, including tax cuts, regulatory changes and approval of a slate of new federal judges, the Journal Sentinel reported.

Ryan noted that midterm elections are often tough for the president’s party and said Democrats “are going to try and psych all of us out, so that we can say, ‘Oh, gosh, midterm elections are so hard.’” Ryan is facing a Democratic challenge from Racine County iron worker Randy Bryce.

Ryan said Republicans would work hard, change laws and win, drawing sustained applause from the audience. But Democrats in Washington are increasingly optimistic that they can win 24 GOP-held seats to take back the majority in the House.

The Wisconsin Republican also discussed the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., but made no mention of whether Congress will take up legislation. Ryan said, “we’re all still praying and grieving; our hearts are still kind of sunk” because of the shooting.