On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Fred Strampe and Zach Wittchow are competing for the Waukesha County Circuit Court’s Branch 6 judge seat, which will be vacated by Judge Brad Schimel. Both candidates have expressed their views on the challenges facing the judiciary, particularly in a politically charged environment where judicial decisions are often scrutinized for bias.

Strampe, 57, holds a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has served as a Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge for Branch 7 for a brief period in 2023 and has extensive experience as an attorney. His professional background includes roles at Borgelt, Powell, Peterson & Frauen in Milwaukee from 1997 to 2022 and again since August 2023. He previously served as a U.S. Army infantry officer in Germany from 1991 to 1994. Strampe emphasizes his judicial experience, arguing that it gives him an advantage in the race.

Wittchow, 36, earned a B.A. from Northwestern University and a J.D. from Marquette Law School. He has been an assistant district attorney in Waukesha County since 2019 and worked in Milwaukee County’s district attorney’s office from 2014 to 2019. Although he has never served as a judge, Wittchow highlights his decade-long experience prosecuting a variety of criminal cases, asserting that it prepares him well for the judicial role.

Both candidates acknowledge the political pressures that have increasingly affected the judiciary. Strampe pointed out that partisanship has become a significant challenge, stating, “Waukesha County needs qualified judges who prioritize the facts and the law, not preconceived political ideologies.” He believes that judges must remain committed to upholding the law, even when faced with public scrutiny.

Wittchow echoed Strampe’s concerns but added that the threats to judicial independence have escalated to alarming levels, citing an increase in violence and threats against judges. He referenced U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who highlighted instances of violence against judges in a recent report. Wittchow argued that the narrative around judicial bias, often propagated by public officials and media, can undermine the integrity of the judiciary.

When discussing the concept of fairness in the courtroom, both candidates offered their interpretations. Wittchow emphasized that fairness should not be gauged by outcomes but rather by ensuring equal opportunities for all parties involved. He plans to apply the rules of evidence and procedure uniformly, maintaining judicial restraint and focusing on constitutional law.

Strampe defined fairness as the consistent application of the law to all cases, asserting that judges play a crucial role in protecting the community by enforcing legal standards. He argued that a fair legal system relies on judges who apply the law evenly and consistently.

In addressing their qualifications, Strampe pointed to his recent judicial experience as a significant asset, claiming to have presided over multiple trials and made numerous legal decisions. He believes this experience enhances his candidacy, making him the only candidate with direct judicial experience in the race.

Conversely, Wittchow highlighted his extensive work in criminal law, arguing that his prosecutorial experience provides valuable insights into the types of cases circuit court judges encounter regularly. He cited examples of other successful judges who transitioned from prosecutorial roles, suggesting that such backgrounds are beneficial for judicial positions.

Both candidates also discussed their approaches to high-profile cases, emphasizing the need to balance public interest with the defendants’ rights. Wittchow referenced his involvement in the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy, which garnered significant media attention, and stressed the importance of maintaining a fair trial amid public scrutiny.

Strampe concurred, stating that a judge’s commitment to applying the law consistently can align public interest with a defendant’s right to a fair trial. He acknowledged that there may be instances requiring courtroom closures, such as cases involving juveniles or sensitive information, and emphasized the need for transparency in such situations.

As the campaign progresses, both Strampe and Wittchow continue to articulate their visions for the judiciary, each presenting their qualifications and perspectives on the critical issues facing the court system in Waukesha County. The outcome of this race will have implications for the future of the judiciary in a politically charged environment.

 

 

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel