Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Impacts Abortion Rights Debate

The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1 is centered around abortion rights, with candidates Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel vying for a seat that could determine the court's ideological balance. Abortion is a key issue, particularly as Wisconsin's court considers reviving an 1849 ban, prompting Democratic support for Crawford and Republican backing for Schimel. This election is notable for its record-breaking spending, already surpassing $67 million, and is seen as a critical indicator for future elections in a battleground state. Both candidates, currently circuit court judges, are focusing on voter turnout, with Democrats hoping to leverage concerns about abortion access to motivate voters. Early voting has begun, and the dynamics of this race could influence broader political trends in Wisconsin as it follows a closely contested presidential election. Both parties anticipate a tight race, reflecting the ongoing contention over control of the state Supreme Court, which flipped to a liberal majority in 2023.