Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker issued an executive order calling special elections for two legislative seats.

He initially refused to call the elections, defying a court order issued last week. He lost on appeal Wednesday and was forced to call the elections by noon today.

Special primary elections will be held on May 15 with special general elections on June 12.

Republican lawmakers sought to change election laws after the court order was issued so Walker could avoid calling the elections; they have since abandoned their efforts.