Open Seat on Wisconsin Supreme Court as Justice Steps Down

A conservative justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court has announced she will not seek reelection, opening a competitive race for her seat on a court currently controlled by a narrow 4-3 liberal majority. Justice Rebecca Bradley's decision signals a pivotal moment in the state's highest court, with potential implications for hot-button issues like abortion rights, redistricting, and election law.

Overview of Justice Rebecca Bradley’s Decision

At 54 years old, Rebecca Bradley revealed she would not pursue a second full term, citing concerns about the court’s shift away from principled judicial service toward increased partisanship and political maneuvering. Appointed by former Governor Scott Walker in 2015 and elected to a full term in 2017, Bradley has been a steadfast conservative voice on the court. Despite having initially expressed intentions to run again, she ultimately decided to step back, highlighting frustration with what she describes as the court’s growing embrace of divisive tactics.

Impact on Court Dynamics

The Wisconsin Supreme Court currently holds a 4-3 liberal majority following the 2023 election of Justice Janet Protasiewicz, which ended 15 years of conservative control. Bradley’s impending departure guarantees an open seat in the April 2026 election, creating a crucial battleground for ideological control. Even if conservatives win the next election, the liberals will maintain majority control until at least 2028 due to staggered terms.

Key Issues on the Horizon

The court is poised to rule on several contentious topics, including challenges to collective bargaining rights, legislative redistricting, and abortion access following the fall of Roe v. Wade. During her tenure, Bradley consistently sided with conservative positions, including support for Act 10, which significantly restricted state employee collective bargaining. Newly empowered liberals are expected to take a different stance on many of these issues, underscoring the high stakes of the upcoming election.

Political and Public Reactions

Bradley’s announcement has drawn mixed responses. Supporters lament the growing partisanship she highlighted and warn of intensified political battles ahead, while liberals acknowledge the need for the court to reflect evolving social values. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler underscored the importance of the court for safeguarding reproductive rights and combating gerrymandering, warning that conservative efforts to reshape the judiciary threaten these protections.

Outlook for the 2026 Election

The open seat is expected to attract significant attention and funding from both political parties. Candidates have yet to officially declare, but the race will no doubt be closely watched as Wisconsin remains a key swing state with influential judicial and legislative battles. The court’s future balance will play a decisive role in shaping the state’s legal landscape in the years to come.

In summary, Justice Rebecca Bradley’s decision not to seek reelection marks a turning point for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court. Her departure opens the door for a highly consequential election that will determine the ideological trajectory of the court amid deepening cultural and political divisions in the state.