The New Politics of Judicial Elections

In a recent press release, The Justice at Stake Campaign (JAS) suggests changing spending patterns may indicate a new phase of judicial election spending. JAS reports campaign spending is expected to fall in states dominated by a single political party, while spending is expected to spike in closely contested states.

JAS warns that, in either situation, special interests groups continue to influence the courts. Interest groups may impact traditionally low-cost retention elections with large donations directed at unseating judges or use their contributions to sway campaign battles.