Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley, a staunch conservative, has announced she will not seek re-election in 2026. Her departure sets the stage for a high-stakes open race that could further solidify the court’s current 4–3 liberal majority. If a liberal wins Bradley’s seat, the court could shift to a commanding 5–2 liberal majority until at least 2028.

Bradley, who has served since 2015, criticized what she sees as increasing partisanship on the bench. “The conservative movement needs to take stock of its failures,” she said, citing a shift away from “principled judicial service.” Her announcement follows two major conservative defeats in recent statewide Supreme Court races, including a 2023 contest that saw record-breaking national spending.

The court is poised to rule on major issues such as abortion rights, redistricting, union bargaining, and election laws, making the 2026 race nationally significant. Bradley had notably dissented in a 2023 ruling that rejected Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban and supported limiting mail-in ballot drop boxes.

Judge Chris Taylor, a liberal appellate judge, has already declared her candidacy for the seat. With Wisconsin being a critical swing state in presidential elections, the court’s future rulings could have nationwide implications.

Bradley’s term ends July 31, 2026, with the election to replace her set for April 7 of that year. Liberals have won four of the last five Supreme Court races in Wisconsin, highlighting a trend that conservatives will need to reverse to regain influence.