Wisconsin Supreme Court Flips To Liberal Majority After Key Election

Wisconsin Supreme Court Flips To Liberal Majority After Key Election...

Wisconsin's Supreme Court shifted to a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years after voters elected Judge Janet Protasiewicz in a high-stakes election Tuesday. The result, confirmed late Wednesday, gives Democrats a 4-3 advantage on the state’s highest court with major implications for abortion rights, redistricting, and election laws.

The race drew national attention as the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with over $45 million spent. Protasiewicz, a Milwaukee County judge, defeated conservative former Justice Dan Kelly by an 11-point margin. Her victory follows years of conservative control that shaped rulings on voting access and union rights.

Turnout surged to near-presidential election levels as both parties framed the contest as pivotal for Wisconsin’s future. Protasiewicz openly criticized the state’s 1849 abortion ban during her campaign, while Kelly received endorsements from prominent Republicans including Sen. Ron Johnson. Outside groups flooded the airwaves with ads in the final weeks.

The new balance of power could lead to swift legal challenges to Wisconsin’s GOP-drawn legislative maps, currently ranked among the nation’s most gerrymandered. Reproductive rights groups are also expected to file suits seeking to overturn the pre-Civil War abortion ban reinstated after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Republican leaders acknowledged the loss but vowed to continue legislative efforts. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers called the result "a victory for fairness and the rule of law." The court’s first cases under the new majority will likely be heard this fall.

Political analysts say the outcome signals Wisconsin’s continued status as a key battleground ahead of the 2024 elections. The court is expected to rule on election administration cases that could impact the presidential race in this perennial swing state.

Final certified results showed Protasiewicz winning 55.5% to 44.5%, with particularly strong margins in Dane and Milwaukee counties. Kelly conceded Wednesday night after absentee ballot counts confirmed the result.