Conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Retires, Giving Liberals Chance to Expand Majority

Justice Annette Ziegler's decision not to seek reelection in 2027 could shift the court's balance of power.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justice first elected in 2007 announced she will not seek a third 10-year term next year, giving liberals another chance to expand their majority on the state's highest court. Justice Annette Ziegler's retirement comes a year after another conservative justice decided against running for reelection, allowing liberals to take control of the court in 2023.

Why it matters

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to take up a number of high-profile cases in the coming years, including challenges to congressional district maps, the future of a state law that effectively ended collective bargaining for most public workers, and an effort to increase spending on public schools. Ziegler's retirement gives liberals an opportunity to solidify their hold on the court and shape the state's legal landscape for years to come.

The details

Ziegler, 62, was first elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2007 and served as chief justice from 2021 to 2025. She consistently sided with conservative justices, including in a 2020 case where the court fell one vote short of overturning President Donald Trump's election loss in the state. Ziegler's decision not to run for reelection in 2027 means there will be another open seat on the court, which liberals hope to win to expand their majority to 5-2 or even 6-1.

  • Justice Annette Ziegler announced on March 9, 2026 that she will not seek a third 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
  • The election to replace Ziegler is scheduled for April 6, 2027.

The players

Annette Ziegler

A conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justice first elected in 2007 who is retiring and will not seek a third 10-year term in 2027.

Rebecca Bradley

A conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justice who decided not to run for reelection, allowing liberals to take majority control of the court in 2023.

Chris Taylor

The liberal candidate running for the open Wisconsin Supreme Court seat in the April 2023 election.

Maria Lazar

The conservative candidate running for the open Wisconsin Supreme Court seat in the April 2023 election.

Elon Musk

The billionaire who traveled to Wisconsin in 2023 to hand out $1 million checks to conservative voters in the state Supreme Court election.

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What they’re saying

“Now is the right time for me to step away to spend more time with my husband, kids and grandkids.”

— Annette Ziegler, Retiring Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice

“I am incredibly proud that in all my elections I had support from a broad spectrum of legal, civic, law enforcement and political leaders — both Democrats and Republicans — who believed in my commitment to fairness, ethics and the rule of law.”

— Annette Ziegler, Retiring Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice

What’s next

The election to replace Ziegler on the Wisconsin Supreme Court is scheduled for April 6, 2027.

The takeaway

Ziegler's retirement gives liberals another opportunity to expand their majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which could have significant implications for high-profile issues like redistricting, union rights, and school funding in the coming years.