Brad Schimel: Unpacking The Journey Of A Wisconsin Conservative Jurist

In the intricate landscape of Wisconsin politics and law, few figures have navigated as many pivotal roles as Brad Schimel. From his foundational years as a prosecutor to his tenure as the state's chief legal officer and his current position on the bench, Schimel's career reflects a deep commitment to conservative principles and a persistent engagement with the legal system. His journey offers a compelling case study into the dynamics of state-level governance, the challenges of public service, and the relentless pursuit of judicial influence.

This article delves into the multifaceted career of Brad Schimel, exploring his rise through the ranks, his significant contributions and controversies as Attorney General, his transition to the Waukesha County Circuit Court, and his ambitious, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, bid for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. We will examine his stances on critical issues, the political forces that have shaped his campaigns, and the lasting impact he has had on the Badger State's legal and political fabric. Understanding Brad Schimel's trajectory provides crucial insights into the conservative movement within Wisconsin and the ongoing battles for judicial philosophy.

Table of Contents

• Who is Brad Schimel? A Biography
• Early Career and Rise in Waukesha County
• Serving as Wisconsin's Attorney General (2015-2019)
• The Transition to the Bench: Waukesha County Circuit Court
• Brad Schimel's Supreme Court Ambitions: The 2025 Race
  • Key Issues and Stances
  • Campaign Dynamics and Funding
  • Controversies and Criticisms
  • The 2025 Supreme Court Election Outcome
• Judicial Philosophy and Conservative Stance
• The Impact of Brad Schimel's Career on Wisconsin Politics
• Looking Ahead: The Future of Brad Schimel

Who is Brad Schimel? A Biography

Brad Schimel is a prominent figure in Wisconsin's legal and political spheres, known for his long-standing career as an attorney, prosecutor, and judge, as well as his tenure as a Republican politician. His professional journey is marked by a consistent dedication to the law, primarily through the lens of conservative principles. Before stepping onto the statewide stage, Schimel built a robust reputation within Waukesha County, a historically conservative stronghold in Wisconsin, where he honed his skills as a prosecutor.

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His career trajectory reflects a deep engagement with various facets of the justice system, from local law enforcement to the highest levels of state legal authority. This extensive experience has shaped his judicial philosophy and his approach to public service, making him a key voice in debates surrounding legal policy and judicial appointments in Wisconsin. His biography is not merely a list of positions held, but a narrative of a public servant deeply embedded in the state's legal and political discourse.

Early Career and Rise in Waukesha County

Before he became a household name across Wisconsin, Brad Schimel established his reputation as a dedicated prosecutor in Waukesha County. This period, spanning eight years as the Waukesha County District Attorney, was foundational to his career. As a career prosecutor, Schimel gained extensive experience in the courtroom, handling a wide array of cases and developing a deep understanding of criminal law and procedure. His work in Waukesha County, a key conservative bastion in the state, allowed him to build a strong base of support and cultivate a public image as a tough-on-crime advocate.

His tenure as District Attorney was characterized by a commitment to law and order, a philosophy that would later define his approach to statewide office. This local experience provided him with the practical insights and political capital necessary to launch a successful bid for Wisconsin's Attorney General. It was during these years that Schimel solidified his conservative credentials and prepared himself for the broader responsibilities of a statewide elected official.

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Serving as Wisconsin's Attorney General (2015-2019)

In 2014, Brad Schimel successfully ran for Wisconsin Attorney General, taking office in 2015. This was a significant step, placing him at the helm of the state's Department of Justice, responsible for enforcing state laws, providing legal advice to state agencies, and representing the state in legal proceedings. During his four-year term, Schimel served under former Governor Scott Walker, aligning with the conservative agenda that characterized much of Wisconsin's state government at the time.

As Attorney General, Brad Schimel was involved in numerous high-profile cases and policy decisions, often reflecting his conservative judicial philosophy. His office tackled issues ranging from criminal justice reform to environmental regulations, always with an emphasis on upholding existing laws and protecting the state's interests as he saw them. However, his tenure was not without its critics. Notably, Haley McCoy, Deputy Communications Director for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, publicly stated that "As attorney general, Brad Schimel wasted time and resources at the expense of survivors across Wisconsin." This criticism highlighted a point of contention regarding the effectiveness and priorities of his office during his term.

Despite his efforts and alignment with the then-governor, Brad Schimel faced a challenging reelection bid in 2018. He was ultimately defeated by his Democratic challenger, Josh Kaul, marking the end of his term as Wisconsin's chief legal officer. This loss underscored the shifting political landscape in Wisconsin and the increasing polarization of statewide elections, even for traditionally non-partisan offices.

The Transition to the Bench: Waukesha County Circuit Court

Following his defeat in the 2018 Attorney General election, Brad Schimel did not retreat from public service. Instead, he transitioned back to the judicial branch, assuming office as a judge on the Waukesha County Circuit Court on January 7, 2019. He currently serves in Branch 6 of the court, bringing his extensive experience as a prosecutor and former Attorney General to the bench. This move marked a shift from the overtly political role of Attorney General to the more traditionally non-partisan position of a circuit court judge.

In his capacity as a circuit court judge, Brad Schimel presides over a variety of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. His background as a "career prosecutor" undoubtedly influences his judicial approach, often emphasizing strict interpretation of the law and a focus on public safety. This role allows him to directly apply his legal expertise and conservative principles in the daily administration of justice within Waukesha County, a community where he has deep roots and significant support.

Brad Schimel's Supreme Court Ambitions: The 2025 Race

Despite having expressed a desire to avoid another statewide race due to the personal toll it takes on one's "exercise, eating habits and" overall well-being, Brad Schimel announced his campaign for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2025. This decision underscored his deep commitment to shaping the state's judiciary, driven by a call for "conservative unity" and a strong critique of what he perceived as a "liberal majority" on the state's highest court. His entry into the race immediately signaled a high-stakes contest, drawing national attention and significant financial investment.

Key Issues and Stances

Throughout his Supreme Court campaign, Brad Schimel articulated clear conservative stances on several pivotal issues that resonate deeply with his base and are central to Wisconsin's political debates. These included:

• Abortion: As a conservative judge, Schimel's stance on abortion aligns with the pro-life movement, advocating for restrictions on abortion access. This position is a critical differentiator in judicial races, especially in post-Roe v. Wade America.
• Voter ID: Schimel is a proponent of strict voter ID laws, arguing for measures he believes ensure election integrity. This issue is often a point of contention between conservative and liberal legal interpretations of voting rights.
• Redistricting: His views on redistricting typically favor maintaining existing legislative maps or supporting approaches that empower the state legislature, often aligning with Republican interests in drawing electoral districts. This issue has been a major battleground in Wisconsin, with significant implications for political power.

These stances are consistent with his long-standing conservative judicial philosophy and were central to his campaign's appeal to voters looking for a judge who would interpret the law through a traditional, originalist lens.

Campaign Dynamics and Funding

The 2025 Supreme Court race quickly became one of the most expensive and closely watched judicial elections in Wisconsin's history. Brad Schimel was the conservative candidate, facing a potential primary challenge from Judge Maria Lazar and a likely general election opponent in Ann Walsh Bradley, though the race ultimately pitted him against Susan Crawford. Schimel's campaign strategy heavily relied on mobilizing conservative support and securing significant financial backing.

• Conservative Groups: Schimel openly "banked on conservative groups to start spending on ads 'very soon'," even "all but begged specific conservative groups — one a business group and the other" for support. This highlights the crucial role of external spending in modern judicial elections.
• Elon Musk Group Donation: A notable development was the reported $1.5 million donation from an Elon Musk-affiliated group to his race. This substantial contribution brought national attention to the campaign and raised questions about the influence of wealthy donors in judicial elections. Brad Schimel, however, publicly asserted that he was "not for sale" and could "remain impartial and fair on the supreme court even with all of the" external funding, attempting to reassure voters of his independence.

The influx of money and the involvement of national figures underscored the broader ideological battle being waged over the composition of state supreme courts across the country.

Controversies and Criticisms

Brad Schimel's Supreme Court campaign was marked by several controversies and criticisms, both from his opponents and regarding his past conduct:

• Attacks on Justices: Schimel was criticized for publicly and privately attacking sitting state Supreme Court justices, calling one "dumb as a sack of hammers" and another "addled." These remarks drew scrutiny for potentially undermining the dignity of the court and raising questions about his temperament.
• Accusations Against Susan Crawford: In ads and on social media, Brad Schimel accused his opponent, Susan Crawford, of "going easy on criminals," citing her handling of certain cases as a circuit court judge. This tactic, common in judicial races, aimed to paint his opponent as soft on crime and bolster his own image as a tough prosecutor.
• Past Performance as AG: The Democratic Party of Wisconsin continued to highlight what they called his "failures" as Attorney General, reiterating the claim that he "wasted time and resources at the expense of survivors across Wisconsin." This past record became a point of attack, with opponents arguing that "his record doesn’t lie."

These criticisms reflect the intense scrutiny placed on judicial candidates, where past professional conduct and public statements are often dissected for political advantage.

The 2025 Supreme Court Election Outcome

The race between Brad Schimel, the conservative candidate, and Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, backed by Democrats, received significant national attention, fueled by historic spending levels. Despite the substantial conservative backing and his vigorous campaign, Brad Schimel ultimately lost in the general election on April 1, 2025. Unofficial results reported by Decision Desk HQ indicated that Susan Crawford received 55% of the vote, while Schimel garnered 45% with 82% of the vote counted.

This defeat marked another significant statewide election loss for Brad Schimel, following his 2018 defeat for Attorney General. The outcome solidified the liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, a result that conservative groups and Schimel himself had sought to prevent. The election underscored the deep ideological divisions within Wisconsin and the critical importance of the state's judiciary in shaping its future.

Judicial Philosophy and Conservative Stance

Throughout his varied career, Brad Schimel has consistently articulated and demonstrated a clear conservative judicial philosophy. This approach is rooted in several core tenets that guide his interpretation of the law and his decisions from the bench:

• Originalism/Textualism: While not explicitly stated, his conservative stance implies a preference for interpreting laws and the constitution based on their original meaning or the plain text, rather than evolving societal norms or contemporary interpretations.
• Judicial Restraint: A key aspect of conservative judicial philosophy is the belief in judicial restraint, meaning judges should defer to the legislative and executive branches and avoid legislating from the bench. Schimel's criticisms of the "liberal majority" on the Supreme Court often centered on this point, accusing them of overstepping their judicial bounds.
• Law and Order: As a "career prosecutor," Schimel's philosophy is strongly aligned with a "law and order" approach, prioritizing public safety, strict enforcement of criminal laws, and accountability for offenders. His campaign ads, such as "Verdict," highlighted his record as a prosecutor and Attorney General to reinforce this image.
• Limited Government: Consistent with broader conservative principles, Schimel's views likely lean towards limiting government intervention and protecting individual liberties, particularly those related to property rights and economic freedom, within the framework of established law.

His public statements, particularly his call for "conservative unity" during his Supreme Court campaign and his critique of the "liberal majority," underscore his belief that the judiciary should reflect a particular ideological viewpoint that aligns with traditional conservative values. This philosophy is not just academic; it has tangible impacts on how he approaches cases, from criminal sentencing to constitutional challenges related to issues like abortion, voter ID, and redistricting.

The Impact of Brad Schimel's Career on Wisconsin Politics

Brad Schimel's extensive career has left an indelible mark on Wisconsin's political and legal landscape. His journey from local prosecutor to Attorney General and then to a circuit court judge, coupled with his high-profile Supreme Court bids, illustrates several key dynamics at play within the state:

• Polarization of Judicial Elections: Schimel's campaigns, especially his Supreme Court race, highlight the increasing nationalization and partisan polarization of judicial elections, even in states like Wisconsin where these races are officially non-partisan. The massive spending, national attention, and clear ideological divides underscore this trend

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