News

Control Of Wisconsin Politics Looms Over State Supreme Court Election

One liberal judge and one conservative former justice advanced through Wisconsin’s Supreme Court primary, setting the stage for a contentious battle over the state’s seventh seat on the highest court.

Four candidates – two liberals and two conservatives – competed for two slots in the April 4 general election. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Janet Protasiewicz and ex-Justice Dan Kelly received the most votes in the primary, advancing both candidates.

The final seat is a high priority for multiple big-ticket ideological issues. Wisconsin’s court will likely hear cases regarding abortion access, gerrymandered districts and voting rights issues. The court held a 4-3 conservative majority before conservative Justice Patience Roggensack announced his retirement.

The court nearly overturned President Joe Biden‘s 2020 electoral victory. With a likely close 2024 presidential race looming, court integrity remains a high national priority.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Outside groups have already spent $9.2 million on the race.

Protasiewicz was the highest vote-getter accruing 46 percent of the vote. Kelly received 24 percent.

“Everything we care about is going to be determined by who wins this election,” Protasiewicz said to supporters following her advancement. “We’re saving our democracy in the state of Wisconsin.”

“That’s what I’m explaining to people. I’m talking about the ability to vote, to have a vote that counts about women’s rights, reproductive freedoms, the fact that the 2024 presidential election results could likely come into our Supreme Court chamber, just everything people care about.”

Kelly drew a contrast with his competitor, saying that justices are not charged with settling political issues.

“I think they are going to be passionate about supporting their constitution and protecting it from being overturned by someone who is trying to put her thumb on the scales of justice,” Kelly said at his election party, less than two-tenths of a mile away from Protasiewicz’s.

Ben Shimkus

Recent Posts

VIDEO: Trump Watches SpaceX Launch Alongside Elon Musk & Ted Cruz

https://youtube.com/shorts/YVrfbMZSVRE?feature=share US President-elect Donald Trump drew cheers as he arrived in Texas on Nov. 19 to watch…

2 days ago

Foreign Policy Experts Voice Concern About Trump’s Nomination Of Tulsi Gabbard For Director Of National Intelligence

After President-elect Donald Trump selected Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, as his nominee for…

3 days ago

Trump’s Pick Of Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Alarms Scientific Community

President-elect Donald Trump's announcement that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be his pick for Department…

4 days ago

VIDEO: President-Elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk & Cabinet Picks Attend UFC Fight In NYC, Crowd Chants “USA”

https://youtube.com/shorts/6CUvTmS87UM?feature=share President-elect Donald Trump arrived to cheers at an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in…

4 days ago

Trump Pick Of Matt Gaetz For Attorney General Sends Shock Waves Through Capitol

President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) as his attorney general has sent shockwaves through…

5 days ago

VIDEO: Fights Break Out In Stand During France-Israel Match

https://youtube.com/shorts/TD8RNJl-NBk A fight broke out in one of the stands at the Stade de France…

5 days ago