In a surprising move, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, the longest-serving member of the court’s liberal majority, announced that she will not seek another term. This decision sets the stage for a high-stakes battle for control of the state’s highest court, with at least two current liberal judges considering entering the race. Former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel is currently the only announced candidate, with the primary election scheduled for February 18 and the general election for April 1. Bradley, who was first elected to the court in 1995, will leave as the fifth longest-serving justice in Wisconsin history.
Bradley’s victory in 1995 made her the first woman in Wisconsin history to join the court by winning an election, rather than through an appointment. She will be remembered as one of six women on the seven-justice court, leaving behind a legacy of judicial service. Bradley stated that while she could have won reelection, she believes it is time to pass the torch and bring fresh perspectives to the court. Former Attorney General Schimel reacted to Bradley’s decision by framing the race as a battle against the court’s “leftist majority,” rather than against a single individual.
Potential candidates considering entering the race on the liberal side include Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford and state Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor. Crawford, who recently won reelection for a second term, previously served as the chief legal counsel for former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle. Taylor, a former Democratic state representative, also worked as an attorney and public policy director for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. Liberals currently hold a majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, following Janet Protasiewicz’s victory in 2023 over former Justice Dan Kelly, flipping the court after 15 years of conservative control.
Since gaining control of the court, liberals have made several key rulings, including overturning Republican-drawn maps of the state’s legislative districts in December. Abortion has been a focal point in recent court decisions, with challenges to a 175-year-old state law that conservatives interpret as banning abortion. The upcoming election for Justice Bradley’s seat will be closely watched as it could impact the ideological balance of the court and have implications for future rulings on important issues. As the campaign unfolds, candidates will present their visions for the direction of the court and make their case to voters in Wisconsin.
