In a closely watched race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, liberal-backed candidate Jill Karofsky emerged victorious, defeating conservative incumbent Daniel Kelly. The election results were seen as a significant win for abortion rights advocates, as Kelly was known to be a staunch opponent of abortion.
Karofsky, a circuit court judge, campaigned on a platform of protecting civil rights and promoting equality. Her victory is expected to tip the balance of power on the state’s high court in favor of liberals, giving them a 4-3 edge.
The election was held in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, with many voters casting their ballots by mail. Despite concerns about the virus, turnout was high, with more than 1.5 million votes cast.
The race drew national attention and significant spending from outside groups, including the Republican State Leadership Committee, which spent more than $1 million on ads supporting Kelly. The Democratic-leaning Greater Wisconsin Committee and the liberal advocacy group Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin also spent heavily on behalf of Karofsky.
Abortion rights have been a contentious issue in Wisconsin, with conservatives in the state legislature passing a number of measures restricting access to the procedure. In 2019, Republican lawmakers passed a bill that would have criminalized doctors who perform abortions after detecting a fetal heartbeat, a measure that was blocked by a federal judge.
Karofsky’s win is seen as a significant victory for abortion rights supporters, and could have implications for similar races in other states. With the Supreme Court poised to hear a challenge to Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that established a woman’s right to an abortion, the outcome of state-level court races has taken on even greater importance.
Karofsky, a circuit court judge, campaigned on a platform of protecting civil rights and promoting equality. Her victory is expected to tip the balance of power on the state’s high court in favor of liberals, giving them a 4-3 edge.
The election was held in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, with many voters casting their ballots by mail. Despite concerns about the virus, turnout was high, with more than 1.5 million votes cast.
The race drew national attention and significant spending from outside groups, including the Republican State Leadership Committee, which spent more than $1 million on ads supporting Kelly. The Democratic-leaning Greater Wisconsin Committee and the liberal advocacy group Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin also spent heavily on behalf of Karofsky.
Abortion rights have been a contentious issue in Wisconsin, with conservatives in the state legislature passing a number of measures restricting access to the procedure. In 2019, Republican lawmakers passed a bill that would have criminalized doctors who perform abortions after detecting a fetal heartbeat, a measure that was blocked by a federal judge.
Karofsky’s win is seen as a significant victory for abortion rights supporters, and could have implications for similar races in other states. With the Supreme Court poised to hear a challenge to Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that established a woman’s right to an abortion, the outcome of state-level court races has taken on even greater importance.