On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Wisconsin State Journal reported that Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley suggested Justices Janet Protasiewicz and Susan Crawford recuse themselves from potential congressional redistricting cases.
Bradley cited campaign contributions from the Democratic Party and statements by Protasiewicz and Crawford about the unfairness of current congressional maps as reasons for her request.
However, Wisconsin’s Code of Judicial Conduct does not mandate recusal based solely on campaign contributions or endorsements, including those from individuals or entities involved in a case. This rule was established by the court’s conservative majority in 2010, following input from significant financial supporters. The code requires recusal only if a judge makes campaign statements committing to a specific ruling, which does not apply here. Justices are permitted to express general views on legal issues during campaigns and still participate in related cases.
According to the article, Bradley’s call for recusal lacks legal grounding, as the circumstances do not meet the threshold for mandatory recusal under state judicial guidelines. Protasiewicz and Crawford, the latter recently elected, are not required to step aside from redistricting cases based on their campaign activities or funding sources.
The issue highlights ongoing tensions within the Wisconsin Supreme Court regarding judicial impartiality and campaign influence, particularly in politically sensitive cases like congressional redistricting.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal
