Liberal Jill Karofsky wins 10-year seat on Wisconsin Supreme Court

MADISON -- Dane County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky easily defeated conservative Justice Dan Kelly to win a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in results released Monday, April 13 from the chaotic spring election April 7.

The race was officially nonpartisan, but the high court has become heavily politicized in recent years. Liberal groups poured more than $2.4 million into the race for Karofsky, while conservatives spent more than $2.5 million for Kelly — who also drew President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

Karofsky’s victory narrows the court’s conservative majority to 4-3 and gives liberals a shot at seizing control when the next seat comes open in 2023.

CLICK HERE to view vote totals from the 2020 spring election

Municipal clerks across the started counting ballots from the April 7 election at 4 p.m. Monday, six days after the election, in an unprecedented timetable that resulted from the court fight over whether to hold the election. Karofsky tweeted a plea for donations to her campaign legal fund just hours before counting began, hinting at a possible recount or legal action by saying “we need to be ready to fight back against voter suppression and make sure votes are counted.”

Karofsky told reporters during a video conference Monday evening that “the people of Wisconsin rose up” to make their voices heard despite Republican attempts at voter suppression.

“People were willing to do that because they wanted their voices to be heard in this election,” she said. “A lot of times on election day we're wringing our hands because we're so upset about voter apathy. That wasn't the problem on Tuesday. ... We can never, ever, ever, in this state or country, have a repeat of the voter suppression tactics that we saw on Tuesday. That can never happen again.”

Kelly congratulated Karofsky in a statement and called it an honor to have served on the court.

Since conservatives have held a majority on the state Supreme Court, the Republican-dominated Legislature has been able to enact laws that enhanced the GOP’s position, including a voter ID requirement and limits on labor unions, despite legal challenges from Democrats. Redistricting — the once-a-decade redrawing of congressional and legislative districts that has huge implications for political power — is widely expected to be the next big fight before the court.

Conservative outside groups supporting Kelly spent more than $2.5 million, while liberal groups backing Karofsky spent more than $2.4 million, according to a tally by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement: