The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously ruled today, February 7, that Meagan Wolfe can continue serving as the state’s top elections official indefinitely, rejecting efforts to remove her from the position. The court determined that under state law, the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) is only required to appoint a new administrator if a vacancy occurs, and Wolfe’s continued service does not constitute a vacancy. The justices cited a prior ruling that allowed a former appointee to remain on the Natural Resources Board after their term expired, reinforcing that Wolfe can stay in her role despite the expiration of her four-year term in 2023.

The decision follows a political and legal dispute over Wolfe’s position. In 2023, the three Republican-appointed members of the six-member WEC voted to reappoint her, but the three Democratic-appointed members abstained, preventing the nomination from advancing to the GOP-controlled Senate. The Wisconsin Department of Justice then sued to block efforts to remove Wolfe, and a Dane County judge previously ruled in her favor. The Supreme Court’s decision affirms that ruling, ensuring Wolfe remains in office unless legislative or legal actions change the current structure.