Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz’s win in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election has dismantled the conservative majority.
On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported Protasiewicz defeated state Supreme Court justice Daniel Kelly, bringing a stop to the 15-year conservative majority on the state’s Supreme Court.
The Post noted Protasiewicz could face ethical questions as the court addresses cases related to politics as she has campaigned on abortion rights and suggested the state’s election maps are “rigged.”
The election also proves to be significant as it is the most expensive judicial contest in the history of the U.S. given both the candidates, political parties and independent groups dished out more than $40 million on the race.
“Today’s results show that Wisconsinites believe in democracy and the democratic process,” Protasiewicz said.
She continued, “Today I’m proud to stand by the promise I made to every Wisconsinite that I will always deliver justice and bring common sense to our Supreme Court.”
The moment Janet Protasiewicz walked in to declare victory — trailed by the rest of the new Wisconsin Supreme Court majority pic.twitter.com/oyAvBo4sNT
— Ben Wikler (@benwikler) April 5, 2023
Kelly claimed Protasiewicz spread “rancid slanders” and declared he did not have a “worthy opponent to which I can concede.”
He added, “I wish Wisconsin the best of luck because I think it’s going to need it.”
According to the Post, Protasiewicz has said she would not involve herself in cases brought by the state Democratic Party as it donated a significant amount of money to her campaign.
However, she shared she feels the need to stay on abortion cases.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) previously filed a lawsuit after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
The lawsuit is seeking “declaratory judgment that the ban is unenforceable,” as Axios explained.
The challenge has yet to make its way to Wisconsin’s supreme court, but is expected to, as the outlet noted.
