Sauk County Judge Michael Screnock and Milwaukee County Judge Rebecca Dallet will compete for a 10-year term on the state’s highest court in the April 3 general election.
The two candidates prevailed in Tuesday’s primary election, topping Madison attorney Tim Burns, who was eliminated from the race.
Screnock, who is backed by conservatives, earned the most votes after arguing to voters he would set aside his personal views or policy preferences and apply the law as it’s written and not in a way to seek a certain outcome.
“Tonight’s results serve as proof that voters across Wisconsin value the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary focused on upholding the rule of law and respecting our Constitution and the separation of powers, regardless of their political affiliation,” Screnock said.
Dallet, who is backed by some liberals, came in second after receiving the support of hundreds of judges and lawmakers across the state. She ran to the left of Screnock, who is heavily backed by conservatives, and to the right of Burns, who ran as an “unshakable champion of progressive values” who would “stand up” to Gov. Scott Walker.
She emphasized her 10 years of experience as a judge presiding over more than 10,000 cases — a resume she characterized as evidence of her ability to be an impartial jurist. She said in an interview Tuesday that her experience set her apart from her opponents.