Liberal Judge Protasiewicz secures nomination in state Supreme Court race

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Janet Protasiewicz will advance to the April 4 election after securing enough votes in a four-way primary.

The statewide race was officially non-partisan, but Protasiewicz was backed by Democrats.

Heading into Tuesday, Protasiewicz’ campaign had raised over $2 million -- more money than all of her three opponents combined.

The state's high court is anticipated to make big decisions on several partisan issues, including Wisconsin's 1849 criminal abortion ban, a possible challenge to the state maps, and voting issues that may come before the court during the 2024 presidential election.

Throughout the campaign, Protasiewicz talked about her support for reproductive rights through TV ads and interviews, which is unusual for a non-partisan judicial race. She also secured a key endorsement, Emily's List, a Democratic group that works to elect pro-choice women candidates, which underscores how the issue for abortion is shaping the race.