Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley announced her decision not to seek another term, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle for control of the state’s highest court. Bradley, a member of the court’s liberal majority, expressed confidence in her ability to win a fourth term but decided it was time to “pass the torch.” Her term will end on July 31, 2025, and the election for her seat will be held in April. Former Republican attorney general Brad Schimel has announced his intention to run, making the race even more contentious following Bradley’s departure.
Bradley’s decision to step down comes after careful consideration and reflection, as stated in her announcement. Her departure opens up the race for the open seat, which is expected to be fiercely contested. Liberals currently hold a majority on the court, with Janet Protasiewicz’s victory in 2023 over former Justice Dan Kelly contributing to this balance of power. The court has issued significant rulings since liberals gained control, including a crucial decision in December that overturned Republican-drawn maps of the state’s legislative districts. The court has also been asked to review challenges to a long-standing state law regarding abortion.
The upcoming election for Bradley’s seat will be closely watched as it will determine the ideological balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Brad Schimel’s decision to run adds to the significance of the race, given his background as a former Republican attorney general. With the court’s current liberal majority at stake, candidates from both sides are likely to campaign vigorously to secure the seat. Bradley’s announcement marks the end of an era on the court, and her decision not to seek re-election will lead to a new chapter in the court’s history.
The battleground state of Wisconsin will see a fierce battle for control of its highest court in the upcoming election, following Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s decision to step down. The race for Bradley’s seat is expected to be heated, with former Republican attorney general Brad Schimel already announcing his candidacy. Liberals currently hold a majority on the court, with key rulings being made since their control, including overturning Republican-drawn maps of the state’s legislative districts. The election for Bradley’s seat in April will have significant implications for the ideological balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Bradley’s tenure on the Wisconsin Supreme Court will come to an end in July 2025, following her decision not to seek another term. The upcoming election for her seat will be closely watched, with candidates from both sides expected to campaign vigorously to secure the open seat. Janet Protasiewicz’s victory in 2023 over former Justice Dan Kelly played a role in giving liberals a majority on the court, resulting in several key rulings being made since then. The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decisions will continue to impact the state’s legal landscape, with the upcoming election shaping the future direction of the court.
