Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford and former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel prepare to face off in a pivotal judicial contest that could reshape Wisconsin's legal landscape.
According to USA TODAY, the upcoming April election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat will determine the ideological balance of the state's highest court following liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's retirement announcement.
The race emerged in the wake of Wisconsin's November general election, which saw the state split its support between Republican Donald Trump and Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin. This judicial contest is expected to draw significant attention and campaign spending, potentially matching the more than $50 million invested in the previous Supreme Court race.
Schimel enters the race with substantial political experience, having served as Wisconsin's Attorney General from 2014 until his narrow defeat in 2018. His transition to the judiciary came through an appointment by former Republican Governor Scott Walker to the Waukesha County Circuit Court. The former attorney general's campaign has taken a strong stance against what it perceives as judicial activism.
The Schimel campaign issued a statement criticizing recent court decisions. They specifically targeted what they view as concerning trends in judicial oversight and policy implementation. Their messaging emphasizes a commitment to traditional legal interpretation and public safety.
Ben Wikler, chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, offered this perspective on the court's recent liberal majority:
The state's high court had made significant progress in restoring the fairness and impartiality of the court that was lost under the previous far-right majority, striking down unconstitutional legislative maps, increasing access to the ballot box, and restoring balance in a previously unchecked Legislature.
Crawford brings her own extensive legal background to the race. Her career includes experience as a prosecutor, government legal counsel, and private practice attorney focusing on voting rights and reproductive healthcare access. Since 2018, she has served on the Dane County Circuit Court.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has already thrown its support behind Crawford, endorsing her candidacy on November 20. This early backing signals the party's commitment to maintaining the court's current 4-3 liberal majority.
Republican Party of Wisconsin chairman Brian Schimming challenged Crawford's candidacy, characterizing her as a "Dane County liberal activist." The contrast between the candidates reflects broader political divisions within the state.
The importance of this election extends beyond typical judicial considerations. The court's recent decisions, including ordering new electoral maps and potentially reviewing abortion access laws, demonstrate its significant impact on state policy.
Crawford addressed these concerns in a statement highlighting her professional background:
I've spent my career standing up for Wisconsin values like safe communities, reproductive rights, clean air and water, and fair elections. As a prosecutor, I took on tough cases to hold criminals and sex offenders accountable and bring justice to victims. As an attorney, I fought for working people, families, and teachers when their rights were threatened and being trampled on.
The race could also affect other significant policy areas, including school voucher programs and right-to-work legislation. These issues remain contentious points of debate between conservative and progressive interests in Wisconsin.
The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election represents a critical juncture in the state's judicial landscape, with Dane County Judge Susan Crawford and former Attorney General Brad Schimel vying for retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's seat. The April contest will determine whether the court maintains its current liberal majority or shifts back to conservative control, with potential implications for various policy areas, including voting rights, abortion access, and legislative redistricting. Candidates have until January 1, 2025, to enter the race, with the winner securing a 10-year term on the state's highest court.