Janet Protasiewicz Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Race, Secures Liberal Majority

Janet Protasiewicz, a Democrat-backed Milwaukee County Circuit Judge, has emerged victorious in the closely watched and highly expensive race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The Associated Press announced the result shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Protasiewicz secured a 52-48 victory against Republican-backed former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly, according to unofficial results.

 

The election was considered crucial for both parties, as it would decide the ideological balance of the court. With Protasiewicz's victory, the left-leaning justices now control the court by a 4-3 majority for at least the next two years. This has far-reaching implications, as the court is expected to decide on a pending lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's 1849 law banning abortion.

 

Protasiewicz, who has experience as a prosecutor and a judge in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, expressed her delight and thrill at winning this consequential contest. She described the victory as surprising and was grateful for the magnitude of support she received.

 

The race between Protasiewicz and Kelly was the most expensive Supreme Court race in US history. The result is also expected to impact issues such as election rules and districting ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

 

During the campaign, Kelly was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, while Protasiewicz was endorsed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. The campaign was marked by intense advertising and outside spending, with millions of dollars poured in by both parties and outside groups.

 

Wisconsin's Supreme Court has been a battleground for years, with many high-profile cases being decided by a narrow margin. The previous conservative-controlled court had come within one vote of overturning President Joe Biden’s win in the state in 2020. With the left-leaning justices now in control, this is expected to change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Judge Janet Protasiewicz's victory is significant, not just for Wisconsin but also for the entire country. The decision of Wisconsin voters to elect her as a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice will shape the future of Wisconsin politics and policy-making, including crucial issues such as abortion and election rules. With a 4-3 majority of left-leaning justices, the future decisions of the Wisconsin Supreme Court are expected to differ significantly from those made in the past. This is a clear win for liberals, and the race serves as an example of the importance of state-level politics and the judiciary.

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