Eric Holder, former U.S. Attorney General under President Barack Obama and current chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, will be campaigning in support of Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford. Holder’s endorsement marks one of the first major national figures to support Crawford’s campaign.
“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,” Holder stated to ABC News.
Holder emphasized that Crawford is the “commonsense candidate Wisconsinites want and deserve on their state’s highest court” and praised her commitment to following the facts and the law.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race, while technically nonpartisan, has seen clear partisan divides. Crawford, backed by Democrats, is facing off against Brad Schimel, who is supported by Republicans. The race is pivotal as it will help determine the ideological direction of the court, which currently leans liberal.
One key issue in the race is redistricting. The court previously ruled to uphold Wisconsin’s current congressional district map after rejecting legislative district maps in 2024. Holder’s organization, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, has been focused on fair redistricting processes nationwide.
Holder is set to campaign for Crawford on Monday in Madison and on Tuesday in Milwaukee. The election, scheduled for April 1, will decide who fills the seat of retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley.
As the campaign intensifies, both candidates are highlighting their legal philosophies and visions for the court’s future, with voters keenly aware of the broader political implications.