WISCONSIN — Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley announced in a statement Friday that she will not seek another term in 2026. Bradley, a conservative who has served on the state’s high court since 2016, said her efforts to strengthen the conservative movement are “better pursued outside the Court” than as part of its minority bloc. Her decision guarantees the race will be for an open seat.
STATEMENT
‘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. That warning went unheeded, and Wisconsin has seen only the beginning of what is an alarming shift from thoughtful, principled judicial service toward bitter partisanship, personal attacks, and political gamesmanship that have no place in court. The conservative movement needs to take stock of its failures, identify the problem, and fix it. I will not seek reelection to the Wisconsin Supreme Court 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.’
Bradley’s departure marks another setback for conservatives, who have suffered consecutive double-digit losses in recent Supreme Court races. Her exit ensures liberals will maintain control of the Court through at least 2028, with the 2026 contest now set to be an open-seat election.
Last Update: Aug 29, 2025 12:00 pm CDT
