“In November, Democrats in Wisconsin won the governor’s mansion and the race for attorney general after closely fought elections. In December, they find themselves preparing for an unexpected but equally fierce political fight,” the Guardian reports.

“Republicans controlling the state legislature are preparing an unusual lame-duck session, in which they will aim to pass measures to weaken Democratic governor-elect Tony Evers and attorney general-elect Josh Kaul before they take office next month.”

Meanwhile, Evers told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he “will take any steps possible” to prevent Republican lawmakers from removing key powers from his new administration.

Said Evers: “I view this as a repudiation of the last election. I will take any steps possible to assure the people of Wisconsin that I will not invalidate those votes. And frankly, I’m encouraging citizens across the state of Wisconsin to help me in that effort.”