With SCOTUS Poised to Overturn Roe, GOP Gov Candidates Across the Map Double Down on Extreme Anti-Abortion Positions

GOP Candidates “Thrilled” and “Extremely Happy” As Reproductive Freedoms Threatened Like Never Before 

This week, as a draft opinion indicated the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, GOP candidates for governor across the country doubled down on their extreme positions in support of restricting reproductive freedoms and banning abortion.

Here’s what Republican candidates for governor said this week to reinforce their view that women should not have autonomy over their own health care decisions:

In Michigan, where overturning Roe v. Wade would mean a return to a draconian 1931 abortion ban that criminalizes doctors, James Craig reiterated that he was “unapologetically pro-life” and “thrilled” about the prospect of banning abortion. Kevin Rinke responded that he believes the Supreme Court “acted properly” in the opinion decision. Garrett Soldano celebrated the decision, and Tudor Dixon released a statement doubling down on her crusade to ban abortion, regardless of if it “may even be an awful circumstance.”

In Wisconsin, Rebecca Kleefisch, who previously supported the argument survivors of rape should “turn lemons into lemonade,” celebrated the news restricting reproductive rights, saying, “it’s about time!” Kleefisch also stated in an interview that she opposes allowing abortions in the case of rape and incest because she doesn’t “think it’s the baby’s fault how the baby is conceived.” Kevin Nicholson responded by saying, “I pray this is true” and Tim Michels rejoiced, saying he had “long worked for and prayed for this moment.” 

In Arizona, Kari Lake, who has called for Arizona to pass a “carbon copy” of Texas’s 6-week near-total abortion ban, celebrated the news in a tweet; Karrin Taylor Robson vowed to do “everything in [her] power as Governor to make sure Arizona is the most pro-life state in the union,” and Matt Salmon stated he was “incredibly grateful” for the news.

In Nevada, Dean Heller reiterated that he is “pro life and proud of it,” and said he was “applauding the news.”

In Pennsylvania, after all four leading Republican candidates for governor vowed to ban abortion if elected in a GOP debate last week, the candidates celebrated the SCOTUS draft decision this week. Bill McSwain said the SCOTUS ruling was “of course the right decision;” Lou Barletta said he was “extremely happy” with SCOTUS’s apparent plan to overturn Roe; Doug Mastriano released a statement touting his introduction of a 6-week abortion ban in the Pennsylvania legislature; and Dave White called it “a moment of joy.” 

In Minnesota, Scott Jensen stated in an interview he supports zero exceptions to abortion bans in cases of rape and incest. Jensen has previously said he supports an outright ban on abortion, saying “there is no reason for us to be having abortions going on.”

“With abortion access threatened like never before, Republican candidates for governor are digging in their heels on their extreme agendas to restrict reproductive rights and ban abortion” said DGA Senior Communications Advisor Christina Amestoy. “Meanwhile, Democratic governors and candidates for governor are taking action to protect reproductive freedom and continue to be champions of a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions.”