Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley, one of the state’s most conservative jurists, announced she will not run for re-election in 2026.
Her decision sets up an open race for a pivotal seat on a court now controlled by liberals 4–3.
Bradley’s Warning on Judicial Activism
Bradley, first appointed in 2015 by then-Gov. Scott Walker, warned in her announcement that the court has shifted away from “principled judicial service” toward partisanship.
“For years I have warned that under the control of judicial activists, the court will make itself more powerful than the legislature, more powerful than the governor,” Bradley said. “That warning went unheeded, and Wisconsin has seen only the beginning of an alarming shift.”
She added: “The conservative movement needs to take stock of its failures, identify the problem, and fix it. I will not seek re-election … because I believe the best path for me to rebuild the conservative movement and fight for liberty is not as a minority member of the Court.”
Political Stakes
Liberals have won four of the last five state Supreme Court elections, flipping the majority in 2023 after 15 years of conservative control.
Even if conservatives hold Bradley’s seat, liberals will maintain at least a 4–3 edge until 2028.
If liberals pick up her seat, their majority will expand to 5–2.
The outcome will shape rulings on abortion, redistricting, election laws, and collective bargaining, all high-profile cases expected to come before the court.
Bradley’s Judicial Record
Bradley has consistently aligned with conservatives on the court:
She dissented from the July ruling that Wisconsin’s 1849 law did not amount to an abortion ban.
She joined conservatives in upholding restrictions on most state workers’ union bargaining rights.
She voted against allowing ballot drop boxes during the 2020 election cycle, though that ruling was later reversed.
She supported Trump-aligned challenges to the 2020 election results, though the case was dismissed in a 4–3 split when Justice Brian Hagedorn sided with liberals.
2026 Election Already Underway
Chris Taylor, a liberal judge on the state appeals court, had already launched her campaign for Bradley’s seat prior to the announcement.
The election will be held April 7, 2026, with Bradley’s term officially ending July 31, 2026.
Wisconsin, a critical presidential swing state, has become a national battleground for judicial elections.
The 2023 race shattered spending records, drawing millions in donations, including major contributions from high-profile figures like Elon Musk.
