Conservative Annette Ziegler announces retirement from Wisconsin Supreme Court

Conservative Justice Annette Ziegler announced Monday that she will retire from the Wisconsin Supreme Court when her term ends, delivering a blow to Republicans who have seen liberals take over the high court’s majority in recent years.

“After three decades on the bench, now is the right time for me to step away to spend more time with my husband, kids and grandkids. I will, therefore, not be seeking reelection to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2027,” Ziegler said in a statement.

“I am incredibly proud that in all my elections I had support from a broad spectrum of legal, civic, law enforcement and political leaders – both Democrats and Republicans – who believed in my commitment to fairness, ethics and the rule of law,” she added.

Ziegler’s announcement comes just one month before voters will head to the polls to decide who will replace retiring conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley on the state’s Supreme Court, where liberals hold a 4-3 edge.

Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Chris Taylor, who is backed by Democrats, and conservative appellate Judge Maria Lazar will face off in the April 7 election. Taylor holds a clear fundraising advantage over Lazar, and Republicans are in danger of further losing their grip on the high court in the consequential battleground state.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Devin Remiker on Monday issued a statement suggesting Ziegler’s retirement was proof that the GOP is already bracing for a difficult midterm environment.

“Wisconsin Republicans know a resounding rejection of their war on working people in service of their billionaire owners is coming this November and are heading for early retirement,” Remiker said.

“Ziegler’s retirement is more proof that this is a five-alarm fire for the GOP and is a testament to the incredible work that WisDems and our grassroots leaders across Wisconsin have done to organize everywhere and take no election for granted,” he continued.

Conservatives enjoyed a majority on the Wisconsin high court for 15 years until liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz beat former state Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly, flipping the state Supreme Court in 2023. Tens of millions of dollars poured into the race given the election determined partisan control of the court.

And, last year, liberal Justice Susan Crawford beat former Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel (R) for an opening on the state’s high court — a race that attracted even more spending, including from Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The state Supreme Court, like others in key battleground states, has been ground zero for decisions on key issues such as redistricting, workers’ rights, abortion access and election disputes in The Badger State.

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