The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled this week to keep Green Party candidate Jill Stein on the ballot, a decision that could significantly impact the 2024 presidential election by drawing liberal votes away from Kamala Harris and giving President Donald Trump an advantage in this key swing state.
Democrats had argued that the Green Party failed to meet necessary ballot eligibility criteria, but the court dismissed the case, allowing Stein to stay on the ballot. This outcome has left Democrats concerned that Stein could once again play the spoiler, similar to what happened in 2016 when her candidacy attracted more votes than the margin that decided the state for Trump.
Stein’s platform includes progressive policies like Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and an anti-corporate stance, which could appeal to voters who feel that Harris is too aligned with centrist positions. For Trump, these are precisely the voters he hopes will turn away from Harris and choose Stein instead, thereby reducing the Democratic ticket’s share in Wisconsin.
Stein herself has positioned her continued presence on the ballot as a win for democracy, criticizing Democrats for attempting to silence alternative voices in the political process. However, her candidacy is a double-edged sword for the left—while some see it as essential for broadening the political conversation, others worry it could hand Wisconsin’s electoral votes to Trump.
As the 2024 election heats up, Wisconsin remains a pivotal battleground. With the court’s decision, the state is now poised for a three-way contest that could determine the presidency, with Stein’s candidacy potentially tipping the scales in Trump’s favor.
