Wisconsin

Newton v. Walker (closed)

The NRF successfully supported a group of Wisconsin voters who challenged Governor Scott Walker’s refusal to hold special elections for two state legislative seats. The trial court rejected Walker’s argument that elections for these seats were unnecessary and ordered the governor to call the special elections. Governor Walker attempted to circumvent that ruling, seeking an 8-day extension of compliance with the court’s order, purportedly so that the legislature would have time to change the underlying law. But this effort was rejected – twice – first by the trial court and then on appeal. In the end, the state legislature gave up its effort to change the law and Walker called the special elections. This was a huge victory for Wisconsin voters.

Complaint (February 26, 2018)
Order Granting Plaintiff’s Petition for Mandamus (March 22, 2018)
Court of Appeals Order (March 28, 2018)