Justice Ann Walsh Bradley of the Wisconsin Supreme Court announced on Thursday that she will not seek a fourth term next year, sparking a heated contest for majority control of the closely divided court.
Justice Walsh Bradley, one of the four liberals on the court, has served since 1995 and is now 73 years old. In a statement, she expressed her desire to continue public service after retiring and bring fresh perspectives to the court.
She also mentioned her intention to focus on promoting civics education in Wisconsin, particularly on the role of the courts in government. Her term ends in July 2025, and already one high-profile Republican, former Wisconsin attorney general Brad Schimel, has announced his candidacy for her seat.
Wisconsin’s highest court elections are officially nonpartisan and held in April for 10-year terms. The upcoming election to replace Justice Walsh Bradley could mirror the contentious 2023 race, which saw liberal Judge Janet Protasiewicz defeat conservative former Justice Daniel Kelly in a battle over abortion rights and gerrymandered legislative maps.
The outcome of that election shifted the court’s balance of power, with liberals now in the majority and ordering a redraw of the legislative maps. With Wisconsin’s electorate closely divided between Republicans and Democrats, the upcoming race is expected to be closely contested.
