Clark County Circuit Court Judge Lyndsey Brunette has launched the first campaign for an upcoming vacancy on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, entering the political arena just days after the state concluded a separate high-stakes judicial contest. The announcement sets the stage for another fiercely watched election that could reshape the court's ideological balance.
In her campaign launch video, Brunette, who was elected to her current judicial position as a Democrat, framed her candidacy around judicial impartiality. "On the bench today, I ensure the law is administered fairly and without prejudice," she stated. "Justice must not hinge on an individual's identity, political affiliation, or financial resources. I am running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court because these foundational principles are critically important at this moment."
She further outlined her judicial philosophy, emphasizing a commitment to constitutional fidelity. "Judges must adhere to facts and statute, honor our Constitution, and defend the rights and liberties of every citizen," Brunette added. "This entails protecting personal healthcare decisions, securing voting rights, bolstering public safety, and guaranteeing equitable treatment for all."
The seat she seeks will be vacated by conservative Justice Annette Ziegler, who disclosed earlier this year she would not pursue reelection. While Wisconsin Supreme Court elections are nominally nonpartisan, candidates are typically aligned with and receive substantial backing from the state's major political parties, making these races de facto partisan battles.
Brunette's entry follows a significant victory for the court's liberal bloc last week, when Justice-elect Chris Taylor secured an open seat by defeating conservative contender Maria Lazar. That seat was held by conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley, who also opted against seeking another term. Taylor's ascension will solidify a 5-2 liberal majority on the seven-member bench. A liberal victory in the 2025 race for Ziegler's seat would expand that advantage to a commanding 6-1 margin.
The rapid transformation of the court's composition has been a defining feature of recent Wisconsin politics. Liberals gained control of the body for the first time in 15 years in 2023, when Justice Janet Protasiewicz defeated former Justice Dan Kelly. This shift has placed immense political importance on each subsequent opening, with outcomes influencing rulings on issues from electoral maps to abortion access.
The upcoming campaign is expected to attract massive spending from national interest groups, mirroring the record-breaking sums seen in recent cycles. The contest will test whether the liberal momentum can be sustained or if conservative forces can mount a successful counteroffensive. The dynamics of judicial confirmations at the federal level, where political tensions often run high, provide a parallel to these state-level fights over judicial philosophy and control.
Brunette's early announcement allows her to begin consolidating support and fundraising ahead of what promises to be a grueling campaign. Her platform directly addresses several hot-button issues likely to come before the court, including reproductive rights and election administration. The race will serve as another key indicator of the political climate in this perennial battleground state.
