State Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley and state Appeals Court Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg were victorious in the state Supreme Court primary Tuesday night.
Bradley received 44.9 percent of the vote and Kloppenburg followed with 43.2 percent, with roughly 96 percent of the precincts reporting. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Justice Joe Donald lagged behind with 11.9 percent.
According to Donald’s campaign manager Andy Suchorski, Kloppenburg, who narrowly lost to state Supreme Court Justice David Prosser in the 2011 race, is “essentially running the same campaign” as before. This contrasts with Bradley, who is heavily favored by conservatives and is the incumbent after being appointed by Gov. Scott Walker following state Supreme Court Justice Patrick Crooks’ death in October.
Partisanship has played an active role in the race, especially in an election whose candidates have repeatedly stated they are taking nonpartisan stances. Bradley’s opponents say she is influenced by outside special interests and will swing the court toward the conservative majority, while Kloppenburg is painted as the liberal alternative.
“The influence of partisan politics and special interest money has a terrible impact on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and our entire judicial system, and I will continue to fight every day as a Circuit court Judge in Milwaukee and a community leader to reduce the influence of politics and deliver justice fairly,” Donald stated in his concession.
Donald also mentioned his concerns about criminal justice reform and the state’s high rate of mass incarceration.
Bradley refuted the notion that she is overly partisan and remained optimistic about her chances in the general election.
"Voters appreciate I've run a positive campaign," Bradley said. "I simply presented my qualifications and credentials along with my judicial philosophy, and I was well received."
Bradley and Kloppenburg will face off again during the state Supreme Court general election April 5.
