What happened in the primary election?
On March 5, 2024, Arkansas held its nonpartisan judicial primary election for the position of chief justice of the state supreme court. The chief justice is the highest-ranking judge in the state and presides over the seven-member court that decides on constitutional and civil matters.
The primary election featured three candidates: Karen Baker, Rhonda Wood, and Morgan Welch. Baker and Wood are both current associate justices of the supreme court, while Welch is a former state senator and circuit judge.
According to the official results, Baker received 39.7% of the vote, Wood received 37.8%, and Welch received 22.5%. Since no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election between Baker and Wood will be held on May 21, 2024.
What are the main issues and differences between the candidates?
The race for chief justice has been described as one of the most contentious and expensive judicial elections in Arkansas history. The candidates have raised and spent millions of dollars on their campaigns, and have also been targeted by outside groups that have aired negative ads and sent mailers to voters.
Some of the main issues and differences between Baker and Wood are:
- Judicial philosophy and independence: Baker has portrayed herself as a moderate and independent judge who follows the law and the constitution, and who does not let personal or political views influence her decisions. She has criticized Wood for being too conservative and ideological, and for siding with the Republican-controlled legislature on controversial issues such as abortion, tort reform, and redistricting. Wood has defended her record and accused Baker of being too liberal and activist, and of overturning the will of the people and the legislature on several occasions.
- Ethics and transparency: Wood has questioned Baker’s ethics and transparency, and has claimed that Baker has violated the code of judicial conduct by accepting campaign contributions from lawyers and parties who have cases pending before the supreme court. Wood has also alleged that Baker has failed to disclose her personal and financial ties to some of these donors, and has called for an investigation by the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission. Baker has denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that she has followed the law and the rules of the court. She has also accused Wood of being hypocritical and dishonest, and of receiving money from dark money groups that do not disclose their donors or spending.
- Leadership and experience: Baker has emphasized her leadership and experience as a judge, and has pointed out that she has served on the supreme court for 12 years, longer than any other current justice. She has also highlighted her role as the chair of the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission, which works to improve the availability and quality of civil legal services for low-income Arkansans. Wood has countered that she has more diverse and relevant experience than Baker, and has noted that she has served as a district judge, a circuit judge, and an associate justice. She has also stressed her involvement in various initiatives and committees that focus on child welfare, domestic violence, and judicial education.
Why does this election matter?
The runoff election for chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court is not only a contest between two individuals, but also a reflection of the broader trends and challenges that affect the state and the nation. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the following reasons:
- The role and reputation of the judiciary: The election for chief justice is an opportunity for the voters to decide what kind of judiciary they want for their state: one that is independent and impartial, or one that is influenced and biased by political and special interests. The election is also a chance for the candidates to demonstrate their integrity and professionalism, or to expose their flaws and scandals. The election could either enhance or damage the credibility and trust that the public has in the judicial branch of government.
- The balance and direction of the supreme court: The election for chief justice is also a factor that could affect the balance and direction of the supreme court, which currently consists of four justices appointed by former Democratic Governor Mike Beebe, and three justices elected by the voters. The chief justice has the power to assign cases, set the agenda, and influence the tone and culture of the court. The election could either maintain or change the ideological and philosophical leanings of the court, and could also impact the quality and consistency of the court’s decisions and opinions.
- The future of the state and the nation: The election for chief justice is also a matter that could have consequences for the future of the state and the nation, as the supreme court is the final arbiter of many important and contentious issues that affect the lives and rights of millions of Arkansans and Americans. The election could either uphold or overturn the laws and policies that the legislature and the executive branch have enacted or implemented, and could either protect or endanger the values and principles that the constitution and the people have established or endorsed.
