Democratic victory points to trouble for Trump in crucial Wisconsin

President Trump’s path to victory in Wisconsin this November looks rockier after Democrats won a key statewide contest in spring elections on the strength of an improved performance in traditionally Republican suburban strongholds.

Liberal challenger Jill Karofsky captured a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court after defeating Daniel Kelly, the conservative incumbent, 55.27% to 44.73%. The Democratic victory raised alarm bells among Republican insiders in Wisconsin because of how it was achieved. Karofsky received a higher percentage of the vote in reliably Republican suburban counties critical to Trump’s reelection prospects than did Democrats running for president, governor, and state Supreme Court in the most recent statewide contests.