Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley said Thursday she won't seek re-election next year, which could complicate efforts by liberals to maintain their majority on the high court.
Walsh Bradley is the longest tenured justice, first winning election to the bench in 1995 and twice being re-elected to 10-year terms in 2005 and 2015. Prior to rising to the state’s highest court, she served as a circuit court judge in Marathon County.
In a statement, Walsh Bradley said she made the decision “after careful consideration and reflection” and said she believes she could still do the job well at age 73.
“I know I can win re-election, should I run,” Walsh Bradley said. “But it’s just time to pass the torch, bringing fresh perspectives to the court.”
The move will prompt a scramble among left-leaning justices to replace Walsh Bradley. A conservative candidate, former attorney general and Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel, announced his bid for her seat last year and is expected to be the top candidate for Republicans.
After the election of Justice Janet Protasiewicz in 2023, following the most expensive judicial race in Wisconsin history, the newly minted liberal majority has had an impact, striking down the state’s legislative maps.
The court is set to weigh in on a number of other key subject matters, ranging from the powers of the Legislature, to whether ballot drop boxes should be allowed and, potentially, the allowability of abortion in Wisconsin.
It was already likely that the race to replace Walsh Bradley will be even more expensive than the 2023 campaign, and the open seat could add to the hot button nature of the race.
Chris Taylor, who serves on the Madison-based branch of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, told the Cap Times she is "very, very interested" in running but would need to discuss the notion of a statewide campaign with family and others.
She expected to have a decision shortly.
"I have a breadth of experience I think few candidates would have," Taylor said.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford said in a statement that she was focused on appreciating Walsh Bradley's service but "will have more to say" about a potential run in the coming weeks.
And a conservative judge on the Waukesha-based branch of the Court of Appeals, Maria Lazar, told the Cap Times Thursday she was still "seriously considering" a bid and would "work tirelessly" to bring about change on the high court.
In a statement, Schimel wished Walsh Bradley well in retirement but said "I made it clear that I'm not just running against one person, I'm running against the court's leftist majority."
"I look forward to continuing the fight to bring integrity and respect for the Constitution back to the Supreme Court of Wisconsin," Schimel said.
As for Walsh Bradley, the justice will serve out her term, which will end on July, 31, 2025. After that, she said she would be “embarking upon a new chapter in my life” that would be “guided by the same principles of justice, fairness and dedication that have defined my tenure on the court.”
In a statement, Gov. Tony Evers praised Walsh Bradley as a "trailblazer" for women in law who "will leave an important role to fill" on the bench.
"Her commitment to justice, being an independent and fair jurist, and upholding the rule of law has rightfully earned her the respect of her colleagues, folks across our state, and across the political spectrum," Evers said.
Janine Geske, a former state Supreme Court justice who served with Walsh Bradley, praised her as a "key advocate for the independence of the judiciary."
Walsh Bradley's sense of humor, including singing during court meetings and placing a stuffed leprechaun outside the office on St. Patrick's Day, was a hallmark, Geske said.
But so too is the fact that Walsh Bradley is the last of a crop of justices who originated in a different time for the court.
"I do believe she's sort of the remaining person who has, really, a historical view, which is really important in terms of administration and other issues for the court," Geske said.
