The political landscape of the state of Wisconsin has been drastically rearranged by a seismic shift in its highest court, the Wisconsin Supreme Court. On April 21, 2020, the court accepted Rebecca Bradley’s appointment as the court’s newest member.
Ms. Bradley was appointed to the court by Governor Scott Walker in 2015 and was reelected in 2019. She is a staunch conservative and her appointment to the court signified a shift from a liberal majority to a conservative majority.
This could potentially have huge implications for Wisconsin policy and politics. The court is the last line of defense for state criminal prosecutions and the first line of appeal for civil cases. It also decides complex legal matters – from abortion regulations to environmental disputes – that could affect the state’s lifestyle and politics for years to come.
The court’s flip from liberal to conservative has the potential of altering the balance of power in the Wisconsin government. Although the conservatives now hold a majority of the court, they still remain a minority in both the state Assembly and Senate.
This shift could also have major implications for the 2020 presidential election. The Supreme Court of Wisconsin is the ultimate deciding body for any major election dispute. As a traditionally liberal state, this new conservative majority could determine the outcome of a surprising upset in the election.
In conclusion, the shift in the Wisconsin Supreme Court from a liberal majority to a conservative majority is likely to have a major impact on state politics and policy for years to come. Along with the potential implications for presidential elections, this shift can be likened to a seismic shift in the political landscape of the state. With this in mind, Wisconsin voters should expect to see some big changes in the near future.
