In what was once considered an uneventful judicial election, the race for Wisconsin's Supreme Court has now become a battleground in a high-stakes fight. With control of the state's highest court up for grabs, the future of voting rights, redistricting, and abortion hangs in the balance.
Ahead of Tuesday's primary election, millions of dollars have been spent on advertising by both sides. The stakes are high not just for this election cycle but also for the 2024 presidential election.
The Republican Party is backing incumbent Justice Brian Hagedorn while Democrats support Jill Karofsky. Hagedorn has been known to lean towards conservative views and has expressed anti-abortion sentiments in his previous rulings. On the other hand, Karofsky is supported by pro-choice groups and advocates for expanding voter access.
According to political analysts, this race could determine whether conservatives or liberals will have control over one of America’s most pivotal swing states come 2024. Additionally, whoever wins will be able to influence redistricting which would impact how congressional maps are drawn until 2030.
Both candidates have received immense financial support from their respective parties with more than $2 million being spent on campaign ads alone. This amount is expected to rise as we edge closer to November’s general elections.
The polls indicate a close race between Hagedorn and Karofsky with both sides confident that they can secure victory in Tuesday’s primary elections.
In conclusion, this seemingly low-key judicial election could prove crucial not just for Wisconsin but also nationally since it could play an essential role in determining key issues such as voting rights and abortion laws leading up to the next presidential elections four years from now.