Wisconsin leaders react to Trump guilty verdict

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Wisconsin Democratic leaders are encouraging Black voters to head to the polls this upcoming election.

A press conference was held outside Milwaukee's Sherman Phoenix with Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, and State Senator LaTonya Johnson.

This comes on the heels of Thursday's historic guilty verdict for former President Donald Trump in his so-called "hush money" trial.

Wisconsin democratic leaders say they respect the jury's decision and shared with us what kind of impact this could have on the election.

"A jury of the former president's peers made the decision just like they would for anybody who stepped into the courtroom across the United States," said Mayor Johnson.

Black Voters for Biden-Harris is gearing up to encourage support for the upcoming election.

Democratic leaders say the guilty verdict should be a reminder to voters of why it's important to cast their ballots in support of Biden.

"The reality of the matter is this – Donald Trump is going to be the Republican nominee for president and the only way to stop him from becoming president again is by showing up at the ballot box," said Mayor Johnson.

Johnson says all votes count.  "We need everybody to cast their vote. We need everybody to get out, especially Black people to make sure than Donald Trump doesn't become president again," he said.

The historic guilty verdict is one that Congresswoman Moore says she respects.

"I am a person who accepts the rule of law in this country. I have confidence in our justice system, and I was willing to accept the verdict...whatever it was," she said.

Meanwhile, State Senator Latonya Johnson says despite the guilty verdict, the former president received certain privileges during his trial such as avoiding jail time, something she says Black voters to take notice of.

"I'll be honest and say that Trump's experience hasn't been that of the Black community at all. If Trump's case did anything, it showed African Americans just how unfair the criminal justice system is for African Americans," said Sen. Johnson.

Milwaukee County's GOP Chair is also reacting. Hilario Deleon called the trail a "political witch hunt" and distraction from the real issues. He said the guilty verdict changes nothing for the republican party.

"The sentencing for President Trump is set for July 11, four days before the national convention here in Milwaukee. In my opinion, I look at that as election interference.

Deleon believes this guilty verdict will only help increase support for the former president. Congressman Bryan Steil also shared reaction, saying he believes the verdict will be appealed and overturned.

Experts say the winning candidate will need the support of Black voters come November. Each party will be making efforts to reach those voters in the months ahead.