On Friday, June 5, 2026, WSAW reported that the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to establish a committee tasked with reviewing the state’s recusal rules. This decision comes in the wake of record-breaking campaign spending that has significantly increased the cost of judicial races in Wisconsin.
The court’s four liberal justices supported the creation of the committee, while conservative justices Rebecca Bradley and Annette Ziegler voted against it. Justice Brian Hagedorn expressed an openness to discussion on the matter.
Justice Hagedorn commented on the current state of elections, stating, “Judges of all stripes kind of are aghast at what has become of Wisconsin’s elections. We’re kind of considered a national disgrace.” He also noted that no current justice on the court has recused themselves from cases involving campaign donations, highlighting the substantial sums spent on campaigns by all members of the court.
The existing ethical guidelines in Wisconsin require justices to recuse themselves from a case if they believe they cannot remain impartial.
Richard Niess, a retired Dane County circuit court judge, articulated the underlying issue, saying, “The problem we’re trying to resolve, in part, is the public perception that the court can be for sale.”
During the hearing, conservative justices raised concerns regarding the clarity and practicality of potential new recusal rules. Justice Bradley voiced her opposition, stating, “I oppose the creation of this committee because I think it will ultimately waste the time of all of the members.”
The committee’s formation is pending, after which members will have several months to conduct research and formulate recommendations.
Source: WSAW
