Iowa Voters Decide on Retention of Supreme Court Justice David May

Iowa voters are currently deciding the fate of Iowa Supreme Court Justice David May, who is up for retention in the November 2024 elections. Justice May was appointed to the Iowa Supreme Court by Governor Kim Reynolds (R) in 2022. His retention is part of Iowa’s judicial retention process, where voters choose whether to keep or remove judges from their positions.

One of the significant decisions made by Justice May that has garnered attention is his role in lifting an injunction against Iowa’s new six-week abortion ban. On June 28, he sided with the majority in this decision, allowing the ban to be enforced. This move has been a point of contention, particularly among Democratic and progressive groups, none of which have endorsed him for retention.

If Justice May or any of the Iowa Court of Appeals judges are voted out, the State Judicial Nominating Commission will be responsible for interviewing and recommending candidates to fill the vacant positions. This process is designed to maintain the nonpartisan nature of Iowa’s judicial system.

The outcome of the retention vote will be closely watched, as it reflects the public’s satisfaction with the judiciary and the impact of recent judicial decisions on state policies.