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Yes.

In response to a question about being called progressive, Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Janet Protasiewicz replied:

“In regard to the progressive label, I embrace that, when it comes to issues such as gerrymandering, when we talk about the maps, when we talk about marriage equality, when we talk about women’s rights and women’s rights to choose.”

When asked about identifying as a progressive in a nonpartisan race, Protasiewicz alleged, “I am dealing with a race with extreme right-wing activists” and that, in light of this, “a person has to be who they are.” She maintained that she is nonetheless “fair and impartial.”

Protasiewicz is one of four candidates seeking the seat, which will decide the court’s partisan balance. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the Feb. 21 primary will compete in the spring election on April 4.

This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

WKOW: Capital City Sunday: SCOWIS candidate embraces ‘progressive’ label, Tiffany defends panel investigating DOJ

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court race will decide control of the bench. Here’s a closer look at the four candidates.

Tom Kertscher joined as a Wisconsin Watch fact checker in January 2023 and contributes to our collaboration with the The Gigafact Project to fight misinformation online. Kertscher is a former longtime newspaper reporter, including at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, who has worked as a self-employed journalist since 2019. His gigs include contributing writer for PolitiFact and sports freelancer for The Associated Press.