An effort to recall Wisconsin Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is gaining traction as backers have announced that they have collected enough signatures to force a recall vote. The campaign, fueled by dissatisfaction over Vos' opposition to former President Donald Trump, has garnered more than the required 6,850 signatures from voters in Vos' southeast Wisconsin district.
The recall campaign supporters are set to present the signatures to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, emphasizing that the over 10,000 signatures on the petition reflect a clear message from constituents who are seeking new representation. The campaign, initiated in January, aims to challenge Vos' leadership and bring about change in the state's political landscape.
Vos, who has been dismissive of the recall attempt, has labeled it as a futile exercise that diverts valuable time and resources. He has raised concerns about the tactics employed by the group and has pledged to scrutinize each signature individually to verify their authenticity.
The recall effort underscores the lingering frustration among Trump supporters in Wisconsin following the 2020 election results. Vos' handling of Trump's loss and his response to calls for election decertification have drawn criticism from those who align with the former president's views.
Despite Trump's narrow victory in Wisconsin in 2016, his defeat to President Joe Biden by a similar margin in 2020 has fueled ongoing disputes and challenges. The election outcome has withstood multiple recounts, legal battles, audits, and reviews, underscoring the contentious nature of the political climate in the state.
The recent announcement by the recall campaign coincides with the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision not to address Governor Tony Evers' request regarding the applicability of new legislative district maps to upcoming elections. The uncertainty surrounding the district boundaries has not deterred the recall organizers, who remain steadfast in their efforts to hold Vos accountable.
Vos, who has served as Assembly speaker since 2013 and is the longest-serving in state history, faces mounting pressure as the recall movement gains momentum. The outcome of the recall vote will be closely watched as it could have significant implications for the political landscape in Wisconsin.