Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley announced Thursday she will not run for reelection in 2025.
Bradley joined the court in 1995 and is its longest-serving justice. She spent most of her career writing dissents as the court was controlled by conservatives, until last spring’s election when liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz won, flipping the court to a 4-3 liberal majority for the first time in 15 years.
“I know I can do the job and do it well. I know I can win re-election, should I run,” Bradley said in a Thursday statement. “But it’s just time to pass the torch, bringing fresh perspectives to the court."
Bradley previously told reporters following Protasiewicz’s victory she planned to run for her fourth 10-year term next year.
Her unexpected retirement will spur a heated race for party control of the court, as it is now up for grabs in the 2025 election. Bradley told The Washington Post she is confident someone sharing her judicial philosophy can win.
“Although I will conclude my tenure on the court, my dedication to public service remains unwavering,” she said.
Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge and former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel has already announced plans to run, according to WisPolitics.
Clara Strecker is a copy chief for The Daily Cardinal. She also covers state news.
