Justice Ann Walsh Bradley announced that she will not seek a fourth term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, creating a highly anticipated race for majority control of the closely divided court. As one of the four liberals on the court, her decision to step down after serving for 29 years will bring fresh perspectives and potentially shift the balance of power on the bench. Justice Walsh Bradley expressed her confidence in being able to win re-election if she ran, but stated that it is time to pass the torch and focus on promoting civics education in Wisconsin.
With Justice Walsh Bradley’s term ending in July 2025, the upcoming election for her seat has already garnered attention from high-profile figures like Brad Schimel, a former Wisconsin attorney general. The state’s highest court elections, officially nonpartisan and held in April, have historically been hard-fought battles, with the potential to shape key issues such as abortion rights and redistricting. The recent contest in 2023, where liberal judge Janet Protasiewicz defeated a conservative former justice, highlights the contentious nature of these judicial campaigns and their significant implications on state politics.
The closely divided electorate in Wisconsin, where Republicans and Democrats vie for control in statewide elections by tight margins, underscores the importance of the upcoming race to replace Justice Walsh Bradley. As the court plays a pivotal role in key issues affecting the state, including redrawing legislative maps, the outcome of this election could have lasting consequences for Wisconsin’s legal landscape and political direction. With the potential for significant shifts in the court’s ideological makeup, the contest is expected to draw widespread attention and shape the future of the judiciary in the state.