On Monday, a judge with liberal leanings who had previously represented Planned Parenthood in a case connected to abortion access announced her bid for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The stakes are high, as the majority control of the state’s highest court is at stake in this battleground state.
Running for the position of retiring liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford is highlighting her past work for Planned Parenthood. As the legal battle over a Wisconsin abortion ban continues to unfold in court, Crawford is emphasizing her dedication to women’s reproductive rights.
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Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel, a former Republican state attorney general who is known for his anti-abortion stance, has been joined by Crawford as the second candidate to announce their bid for the upcoming elections. In case more than two candidates enter the race, a primary will be held on Feb. 18. The winner of the April 1 election will be elected for a 10-year term.
In a statement, Crawford presented the race as a contest to gain ideological dominance over the court.
In a crucial move that could potentially shift the balance of power in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, liberal judge Susan Crawford has announced her candidacy. The state’s highest court has a conservative majority of 4-3, and Crawford’s entry into the race could give liberals a chance to gain control.
Crawford, who currently serves as a judge in Dane County Circuit Court, is known for her progressive views on issues such as gun control, women’s rights, and the environment. She has also been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and has pushed for more transparency in the court system.
The race for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court has gained national attention in recent years, with outside groups spending millions of dollars to influence the outcome. Crawford’s candidacy is likely to draw significant support from progressive organizations, while conservative groups are expected to back the incumbent justices.
The election is set for April 5th, and the stakes are high. If Crawford wins, liberals will have a chance to take control of the court and potentially influence key decisions on issues such as redistricting, voting rights, and abortion.
Abortion is currently the center of attention once again, this time focusing on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court. Jennifer King from the Associated Press has the story.
Crawford expressed his satisfaction with having a majority on the court that is committed to upholding the law, protecting constitutional rights, and ensuring that facts are properly considered. He emphasized that it is important to maintain this progress and not allow it to be undone.
In a strong statement, Crawford pledged to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Wisconsin as enshrined in the constitution. She emphasized the pressing need to counteract the efforts to politicize the court with the sole aim of promoting a right-wing agenda, which she deemed as a significant threat to the very fabric of the state’s democracy.
In her bid for the court, Crawford positioned herself as someone who is strong on crime, showcasing her background as an assistant attorney general. This has been a recurring theme among past progressive candidates who have succeeded in securing a seat on the court.
Crawford emphasized the need for Supreme Court justices who possess a deep understanding of maintaining community safety, are impartial and fair, utilize common sense, and most importantly, do not exploit the constitution to weaken our fundamental rights. “I know the significance of having such individuals in the Supreme Court,” Crawford said.
In her campaign announcement, Crawford criticized Schimel for his stance on enforcing Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban and referred to him as a “right-wing extremist”. However, this ban is currently on hold while two challenges to the state law are pending before the state Supreme Court, which is over 175 years old.
In a heated exchange, Schimel accused Crawford of being purposely chosen by the liberal majority in the Supreme Court to solidify their control for an additional three years.
In a statement, Schimel highlighted the contrast between his career and his opponent’s. He emphasized that he has dedicated his career to supporting and enforcing Wisconsin law, while his opponent has spent a significant amount of time suing the state. Schimel also noted that while he was serving as a prosecutor, fighting for justice and protecting crime victims, his opponent was working with left-wing special interest groups that do not align with the values of Wisconsin.
The upcoming April 1 election holds significant importance as it will decide the successor of Bradley, who is currently a member of the 4-3 liberal majority and has served as the longest-serving justice on the court. Additionally, the election will determine the fate of the liberal majority’s control, which will remain unchallenged until 2028, the next time a liberal justice is up for election.
In 2018, Crawford was elected as a judge and later won reelection to a second term in April. She began her career as a prosecutor for the state attorney general’s office and later served as the chief legal counsel to former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle. During her time as a private practice attorney, she fought against Republican laws that restricted access to abortion, effectively ended collective bargaining for public workers and mandated photo ID for voting.
In August 2023, the Wisconsin Supreme Court shifted to liberal majority control following Janet Protasiewicz’s win. This marked a significant change as the court had been under conservative control for 15 years prior.
In the wake of the elections, the court has issued several significant rulings, one of which was the reversal of the Republican-drawn maps for the state’s legislative districts in December. Moreover, the issue of abortion played a critical role in the Protasiewicz campaign.
