On Thursday, December 4, 2025, WTAQ reported that Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz declined a request from former Justice Michael Gableman to recuse herself from his disciplinary case. The decision, spanning six pages, was issued on Thursday.
The disciplinary case against Gableman arises from his handling of an investigation into the 2020 presidential election, specifically focusing on actions related to the administration of the vote in Green Bay. A special referee appointed by the state Supreme Court has recommended a three-year suspension of Gableman’s law license.
In her decision, Justice Protasiewicz addressed Gableman’s claims regarding a June 2022 news release from her campaign. She stated that while the press release expressed her beliefs about judicial independence, the rule of law, and Gableman’s fitness to hold judicial office, it did not directly address the specific matters currently before the court. Protasiewicz asserted her confidence in her ability to act impartially in the disciplinary proceeding.
“Michael J. Gableman has failed to carry his burden of proving that I must recuse myself from this attorney disciplinary proceeding. Therefore, I deny his motion for my recusal,” Justice Protasiewicz wrote in her decision.
Previously, Justice Susan Crawford recused herself from the case. However, Justice Rebecca Frank Dallet denied a similar request and has remained on the case. With Justice Protasiewicz’s decision to stay on the case, six justices will be involved in deciding Gableman’s discipline. As of now, there is no set timeline for when the court will reach a decision.
The complaint against Gableman originates from his investigation into allegations of fraud related to the 2020 election, an election in which Donald Trump narrowly lost in Wisconsin. Gableman was hired by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos under pressure from Trump to lead the probe.
The investigation, which cost taxpayers over $2.3 million, failed to uncover any widespread fraud. It faced bipartisan criticism, and Gableman was involved in lawsuits over open records requests and subpoenas. He was also criticized for his expense records, confusing emails, rudimentary errors in filings, and meetings with conspiracy theorists.
Vos ultimately fired Gableman in 2022, labeling him an “embarrassment” and stating that he deserved to lose his law license. In 2024, Gableman retaliated by assisting Trump supporters in an attempt to recall Vos from office, but they were unsuccessful in gathering enough valid signatures to force a vote.
The OLR complaint against Gableman includes allegations of making false statements, disrupting a court hearing, questioning a judge’s integrity, making derogatory remarks about opposing counsel, violating open records law, and revealing information about representing Vos during the investigation while promoting the recall effort.
Source: WTAQ
