Progressives Find Unexpected Success in This Election

The 2024 election has brought bittersweet news for Democrats, particularly in the realm of judicial nominations. Despite the continuation of Donald Trump’s presidency, which is likely to usher in a new wave of conservative judges with the support of a Republican Senate, progressives found unexpected success at the state level. Voters across various states made their voices heard by electing liberal justices to state Supreme Courts, creating a crucial buffer against the increasingly conservative federal judicial landscape.

Although progressives didn’t sweep the board, many made significant gains in pivotal areas such as Michigan and even in traditionally conservative states like Kentucky, Montana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The North Carolina Supreme Court also has a chance to see a pivotal change, hinging on a recount for Justice Allison Riggs, who is currently leading in a tight race. A win for Riggs could signal a turnaround for progressives in the state, where they have struggled in recent years.

Several factors played a role in these electoral wins, with abortion rights emerging as a key issue. In the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, state courts are now pivotal in determining reproductive rights, and many liberal candidates leaned into this issue during their campaigns. For instance, Riggs articulated her commitment to reproductive freedom openly, framing it as a personal matter while effectively rallying voters who might not typically engage in judicial elections.

In a revealing trend, North Carolina emerged as a battleground where Democrats, despite Trump’s win in the presidential race, secured victories in other statewide positions, including governor. Riggs faced a fierce battle but managed to maintain focus on key issues, particularly abortion, allowing her to connect meaningfully with voters who cast their ballots for Trump but skipped over judicial races.

In addition, Riggs’ campaigning style mirrored that of Wisconsin’s Judge Janet Protasiewicz, who successfully flipped her state Supreme Court. Protasiewicz’s campaign was notable for its frank approach about values and judicial impact, steering away from vague platforms that often failed to resonate with voters. Similarly, Riggs positioned herself as a guardian of rights on critical issues, and her approach is yielding positive results.

Progressives also saw success in Michigan, where they strengthened their majority on the state Supreme Court, marking a noteworthy win even amidst Trump’s presence on the ballot. Voter mobilization efforts, particularly around abortion rights, played a pivotal role in this success, with outside organizations boosting candidates who promised to uphold these rights.

Montana presented another example of this trend, where two progressive candidates managed to hold onto seats on the Supreme Court, deflecting significant threats to individual rights, including abortion rights. Their victories underscored a resonant message among voters that aligned with preserving rights in the face of conservative opposition.

The judicial elections in states like Arkansas and Kentucky further illustrated this changing dynamic. In Arkansas, a contest for chief justice saw the victory of Karen Baker, who campaigned on principles of judicial conservatism while addressing recent controversial rulings that stoked public discontent.

Overall, while challenges arose for progressive candidates in some states, such as Ohio and Oklahoma, the broader trend hints at a growing awareness and engagement among Democratic voters in judicial elections. The fresh strategies centered on pressing issues like abortion appear to resonate with a wider audience, helping progressives keep pace in the political chess game across state courts.

As states prepare for upcoming elections, including another significant battle in Wisconsin, the landscape remains fraught but filled with potential for progressive candidates. The battle for the courts continues to be an essential front, as progressives fight to maintain and expand their influence across the judicial system, even as the federal judiciary trends conservative under Trump’s leadership.