In a major judicial election on April 4, 2023, voters in Wisconsin elected Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Janet Protasiewicz to the state Supreme Court, marking a decisive shift in the court’s ideological composition. Her victory over former Justice Daniel Kelly has given liberals a 4-3 majority on the court for the first time in over a decade.
Although the race was officially nonpartisan, it became a flashpoint for broader debates about key political and legal issues. The campaign saw record-breaking spending and unprecedented public engagement, reflecting how state-level judicial elections have become battlegrounds for shaping future policy directions.
Protasiewicz campaigned on values that emphasized fairness in the judicial process and signaled strong support for abortion rights and redistricting reform. She openly criticized the state’s current legislative maps as “rigged,” suggesting that they undermine democratic principles and fair representation. Her opponent, Kelly, promoted a judicial philosophy rooted in conservative principles, warning that her approach would politicize the court.
The outcome of this election carries far-reaching consequences for Wisconsin. With a liberal majority now in place, the court is expected to review and potentially overturn the state’s 1849 abortion ban, a law that regained prominence after the federal protections for abortion were rescinded. Legal challenges to the state’s political maps are also anticipated, with reform advocates hoping for a fairer redrawing of districts that better reflects the state’s diverse electorate.
Beyond these headline issues, the new court composition may influence decisions related to voting rights, education, labor laws, and environmental protections. The shift underscores the growing role state courts play in shaping everyday life, especially in a time when federal courts are often gridlocked or politically polarized.
This election has also reinforced the emerging trend of judicial races drawing significant political investment and public interest. Voter turnout was notably high for a spring election, illustrating the electorate’s growing awareness of the importance of state judicial power.
As the court prepares to hear cases with sweeping implications, this election marks a turning point in Wisconsin’s legal trajectory. It reflects a broader national movement where voters are increasingly attentive to the judges who interpret laws that affect their rights, freedoms, and the structure of their democracy.
