It was the announcement that sent shockwaves through the Wisconsin political landscape, even if some folks saw the writing on the wall. Justice Rebecca Bradley won’t seek reelection in Wisconsin in 2026. Basically, this turns a high-stakes incumbent defense into a wide-open scramble for the future of the state’s highest court.
Bradley, a powerhouse of the court’s conservative wing since she was appointed by former Governor Scott Walker in 2015, had initially told everyone back in April 2025 that she was in for another round. Then, things got quiet. No fundraising. No campaign trail buzz. By late August, the official word came down: she's stepping away.
Her reasoning? It’s pretty blunt. She said the "best path" to rebuild the conservative movement and "fight for liberty" isn't as a minority member of the court. Honestly, that’s a heavy statement. It signals a shift in strategy for Wisconsin conservatives who have felt the ground shifting beneath them over the last few years.
The Tipping Point for Wisconsin's High Court
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court used to be a reliable conservative stronghold for about 15 years. That changed in 2023 when Janet Protasiewicz won her seat, flipping the majority to a 4-3 liberal lean. Then came the 2025 election where Susan Crawford further solidified that control.
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For Bradley, being in the minority hasn't been fun. She’s been a fierce dissenter, often using her opinions to blast what she calls "judicial activism." In her announcement, she didn't mince words, warning about an "alarming shift from thoughtful, principled judicial service toward bitter partisanship." You can tell she's frustrated. When you've spent a decade as a major voice in the majority, being sidelined on big rulings—like those involving abortion access, redistricting, and election rules—is a tough pill to swallow.
Who is Stepping into the 2026 Vacuum?
Since Justice Rebecca Bradley won’t seek reelection in Wisconsin, the field is wide open. We aren't talking about a primary anymore, though. Because only two major candidates met the January 1, 2026 filing deadline, we are heading straight to the general election in April.
- Chris Taylor: A liberal Court of Appeals judge and former state representative. She’s been in the race since May 2025 and has already been raking in the cash. Taylor has leanings that align with the current majority, and her campaign is essentially framed around protecting the "rights and freedoms" she claims the conservative wing threatens.
- Maria Lazar: She’s the conservative choice to fill Bradley's shoes. A fellow Court of Appeals judge from Waukesha, Lazar jumped in shortly after Bradley bowed out. She’s positioning herself as the guardian of the constitution, trying to reclaim the ground the right has lost in recent "expensive" cycles.
It’s going to be a slugfest. We’ve seen national records for spending in the last two races. It wouldn’t be surprising if 2026 follows that same expensive, loud, and incredibly partisan script, even if it won't technically "flip" the court's majority (since a liberal win just makes it 5-2 and a conservative win keeps it at 4-3).
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Why This Matters to You
You might think, "It's just one judge." But in Wisconsin, one judge is everything. The Supreme Court is the final word on things that actually touch your life. We are talking about the legality of Act 10 (collective bargaining), the future of mail-in ballots, and how your voting districts are drawn.
Bradley was a key vote in upholding Act 10 back in the day and was a lone wolf in some of the 2020 election challenges. Her departure means the conservative movement is losing its most vocal, battle-tested defender on the bench.
What the Conservative Movement Does Next
Bradley mentioned she wants to "rebuild" the movement from the outside. That's a hint. Conservatives in Wisconsin have struggled lately. They’ve lost four of the last five high court races. The strategy of relying on "non-presidential year" turnout isn't working like it used to because liberals have successfully nationalized these races.
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If Justice Rebecca Bradley won’t seek reelection in Wisconsin, she might be planning to take on a leadership or advisory role to fix the "failures" she mentioned. Whether that means better fundraising, different messaging, or finding new "standard bearers," her exit is an admission that the old way of doing things is broken.
What You Should Do Now
- Check Your Registration: Wisconsin elections are decided by razor-thin margins. Ensure your voter registration is current for the April 7, 2026 general election.
- Track the Rulings: Watch the court's decisions through the first half of 2026. Bradley is still on the bench until her term ends in July. Her final dissents will likely set the stage for Maria Lazar’s campaign arguments.
- Follow the Money: These races are no longer local affairs. Watch where the out-of-state "dark money" flows. It usually tells you which issues—be it abortion or labor laws—will be the focus of the attack ads hitting your TV.
The 2026 race is no longer a simple reelection bid. It’s a battle for the margin of power in a state that remains the ultimate political laboratory.