Eric Holder is set to campaign for a pivotal seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Holder's support for Susan Crawford could shift the court's balance as voters decide on significant redistricting powers, ABC News reported.
Eric Holder, who served as U.S. Attorney General under President Barack Obama, is actively participating in the campaign efforts for Susan Crawford in Wisconsin's upcoming Supreme Court election. As chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, Holder's involvement highlights the race's importance. While this election is classified as nonpartisan, the backing of each candidate indicates a broader partisan conflict.
Holder is set to campaign for Crawford on Monday in Madison and on Tuesday in Milwaukee, emphasizing the critical nature of the judicial position. This race sees Crawford opposed by Brad Schimel, who is supported by Republican entities, whereas Crawford has garnered support from the Democrats. The winner will fill the seat of retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, with potential repercussions for the court’s current leanings.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election, scheduled for April 1, offers significant implications for how the state handles redistricting. The court has previously dealt with cases related to district mapping, and redistricting remains a contentious issue. In 2024, the court upheld the existing congressional district map, a decision indicating the critical nature of future judicial decisions.
Eric Holder frames the choice as pivotal, affecting the state's democracy and governance. His backing underscores the stakes involved, as the court’s composition could alter state policies on redistricting and beyond. The potential for a shift in the ideological stance of the court adds weight to Holder's presence in the campaign.
In a statement expressing his stance on the election, Holder contrasted the possible outcomes of the judicial race. According to Holder, “The fight for our democracy is unfolding at the ballot box in Wisconsin. This race is a choice between a court majority that is fair, balanced, and pro-democracy, and one that is anti-democracy, acting as another arm of an extreme right-wing agenda.”
Susan Crawford, vying for the judicial seat, is seen as a candidate whose decisions reflect common sense and adherence to the rule of law, as per Holder's remarks. If elected, Crawford is expected to influence the court's direction with her deliberative approach to cases. Holder's involvement with the campaign draws attention to the broader implications for redistricting policy.
While the candidates themselves run as nonpartisan, their supporters vividly illustrate the partisan lines at play in the election. Brad Schimel's alignment with Republican forces contrasts with Crawford’s Democratic backing, with both sides anticipating potential long-term impacts on state and national politics.
Holder's campaign appearances in Madison and Milwaukee signify an effort to bolster turnout and support for Crawford. The former Attorney General’s influence may prove pivotal, given his stature and history with voting rights and redistricting efforts.
With the impending retirement of Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, the composition and balance of the court are at stake. The court’s balance currently leans liberal, a tilt that could be reinforced or altered depending on the election's outcome. This future balance holds significant implications for decisions on contentious issues such as redistricting.
Recent decisions by the Wisconsin Supreme Court showcase the importance of its ideological makeup. Whether maintaining existing policies or navigating new challenges, the judges play a crucial role in shaping state law. Crawford's potential ascension to the court brings the prospect of continued liberal influence in judicial decisions.
Eric Holder's support for Crawford thus reflects not only his longstanding commitment to fair redistricting but also the importance of this race for electoral integrity and judicial independence. The April 1 election will serve as a decisive moment for Wisconsin’s judicial and political future, with Holder's involvement highlighting the national interest in the outcome.
