Minnesotans will have more judicial choices on the ballot this fall than in previous years, with nine contested races out of 103 total judgeship races, including two on the Minnesota Supreme Court. This increase in competition is rare in Minnesota, where judicial races are typically nonpartisan and do not attract as much attention as in neighboring states like Wisconsin.
The lack of high-profile cases and controversial decisions in Minnesota’s highest court has kept the tone of judicial races relatively low-key. Candidates in Minnesota typically abide by a judicial code of conduct that discourages political activities and discussing personal views on issues.
However, the upcoming judicial races may garner more attention, especially as U.S. Supreme Court rulings bring contentious issues like abortion and legislative redistricting back to the states. In Wisconsin, judicial races are more politically charged, with candidates openly discussing their views on controversial topics.
Challengers have emerged for incumbent justices on the Minnesota Supreme Court, including Justice Karl Procaccini, who played a key role in pandemic decisions as Gov. Walz’s general counsel. The increase in contested races could signal a shift in the way judicial elections are viewed in Minnesota and may lead to more focus on state courts in the future.
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