In a heated battle over the leadership of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, Republicans in the state Senate voted on Thursday to remove Meagan Wolfe, the nonpartisan administrator who has served in the role since 2018. This decision has sparked controversy and legal action, with Wolfe filing a lawsuit to maintain her position while the issue is resolved in court.

The move to remove Wolfe has been met with sharp criticism from Democrats, who argue that it is not within the Legislature's power to oust an elections administrator. At a news conference, Wolfe expressed disappointment in the decision, stating, "It's unfortunate that political pressures have forced a group of our lawmakers to embrace unfounded rumors about my leadership, my role in the commission, and our system of elections. Elections in Wisconsin are run with integrity. They are fair, and they are accurate."

Following the vote, Wolfe and the Wisconsin Elections Commission sued three top Republicans in the State Senate, namely Devin LeMahieu, Robin Vos, and Chris Kapenga. She is being represented by the state's attorney general, who was directed by Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, to provide immediate representation. Evers criticized the Republicans' actions, stating, "Wisconsin Republicans' attempt to illegally fire Wisconsin's elections administrator without cause today shows they are continuing to escalate efforts to sow distrust and disinformation about our elections."

This move to remove Wolfe comes after years of right-wing attacks, instigated by former President Donald Trump's refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election. Trump lost Wisconsin by nearly 21,000 votes, and despite numerous audits, recounts, and lawsuits, there is no evidence of widespread election fraud in the state. Wolfe received unanimous support from the state's six election commissioners, including three Republican appointees.

Although the Senate vote cannot fully remove Wolfe due to a recent state Supreme Court ruling, Republicans are expected to challenge every decision she makes, causing her future to be tied up in the courts. Governor Evers has pledged to ensure that Wolfe maintains her salary and access to her office during this time.

The Republican-controlled legislature in Wisconsin has been making several moves to exert its influence over other branches of state government. They have recently suggested putting forth a bill that would require legislative approval for new House and Senate maps in the state. Additionally, they have expressed openness to impeaching Democratic state Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz, who was elected earlier this year, giving liberals a majority on the high court. Republicans have criticized Protasiewicz for public comments she made during the campaign, alleging improper bias.

The removal of Meagan Wolfe as Wisconsin's elections chief has raised concerns among voting rights advocates who argue that this move will fuel conspiracy theories about the integrity of the state's election system ahead of the crucial 2024 presidential race. Wisconsin is likely to be a swing state once again, and the controversy surrounding Wolfe's removal could have significant implications for future elections in the state.