Wisconsin’s high court, which almost overturned Biden’s win in the state, flips to liberal control

Wisconsin’s state Supreme Court has undergone a significant shift in political orientation, transitioning from conservative to liberal control for the first time in 15 years. Janet Protasiewicz, who prioritized abortion rights and criticized Republican-drawn redistricting maps during her successful election campaign, was sworn in as a justice. The ceremony was attended by numerous Democrats, and Protasiewicz’s victory holds great importance in Wisconsin, where the Supreme Court has played a decisive role in major political and policy disputes over the past decade.

The court’s previous conservative majority narrowly missed overturning President Joe Biden’s win in the state during the 2020 election. With Protasiewicz joining the liberal justices, the court is now poised to address various contentious issues, including voting rules, elections, the state’s abortion ban, political boundaries, and other significant matters.

Protasiewicz emphasized her commitment to maintaining a fair and impartial Supreme Court, free from political influence, and focused on protecting freedoms and ensuring equal justice for all. Her election was supported by Democrats, abortion rights groups, and liberal organizations, raising expectations that the court will take actions that align more closely with Democratic interests.

Given the new liberal majority, there are pending cases challenging the state’s abortion ban and the GOP-drawn district maps. Additionally, disputes over voting rules are anticipated as the 2024 presidential election approaches.

The shift in the court’s balance of power was seen as critical by Democratic leaders, who hope for favorable outcomes in abortion and redistricting rulings. The court has already undergone changes, with the dismissal of Randy Koschnick, the former director of state courts, due to the court’s “different direction” under the new liberal majority.

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More about Wisconsin Supreme Court, liberal control

• Wisconsin Democrats Celebrate Flip to Liberal Control of State Supreme Court
• Janet Protasiewicz’s Election and Priorities
• Significance of Wisconsin Supreme Court’s Political Control
• Implications of the Court’s Shift to Liberal Control
• Challenges and Issues Before the New Liberal Majority
• Details of Janet Protasiewicz’s Campaign Backing
• Pending Cases before the Court
• Anticipation of Court Decisions in Future Elections
• Expectations of the New Liberal Majority