On Friday, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley, known for her conservative stance, declared that she will not pursue re-election. This decision sets the stage for yet another crucial judicial election in this key battleground state next year.
“I have long cautioned that under judicial activists’ control, the court could eclipse the legislature and governor in power. Despite my warnings, this shift has started dramatic changes in Wisconsin, moving away from principled, thoughtful judicial service towards bitter partisanship, personal criticisms, and political maneuvering that do not belong in the courtroom,” Bradley, a justice on the nominally nonpartisan court since 2015, stated.
“The conservative movement must evaluate its shortcomings, recognize the issues, and address them. I will not run for re-election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as I believe my efforts to rebuild the conservative movement and advocate for liberty are better served outside of being a minority on the Court,” she continued.
Bradley’s departure might offer liberals a chance to strengthen their 4-3 majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, following a couple of intense elections in recent years that have captured nationwide attention.
In 2023, Janet Protasiewicz defeated a conservative former justice to flip control of the court in liberals’ favor for the first time in 15 years.
Recently, Susan Crawford secured a seat on the court in April, defeating conservative Brad Schimel and solidifying the liberals’ majority. Tech tycoon Elon Musk, who also once advised President Donald Trump, played a significant role in the race, contributing over $12 million via a super PAC to support Schimel.
The election saw more than $75 million spent on both sides, topping the 2023 race to become the most expensive state Supreme Court election in history.
Before Bradley’s decision not to run for another 10-year term on the court, one liberal candidate, Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor, has already entered the race. She has been endorsed by groups like EMILY’s List, a national organization that seeks to elect Democratic women who favor abortion rights.
Supreme Court races, which are typically lower-profile, in other states have also drawn national attention in recent years as they’ve weighed polarizing issues like abortion and redistricting.
