Former Wisconsin AG Criticizes Law Allowing Unlimited Party Donations

Brad Schimel says the GOP-backed law is 'terrible' in concession speech for state Supreme Court seat

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A photorealistic oil painting depicting an empty government office desk with a lone ballot box sitting in the center, the scene bathed in warm, dramatic lighting and deep shadows that create a sense of solemnity and contemplation.Schimel's concession speech sheds light on the troubling influence of unlimited party donations in Wisconsin's electoral process.Waukesha Today

Brad Schimel, a former Wisconsin Attorney General and Republican candidate for the state Supreme Court, criticized a law that allows unlimited donations to political parties during his concession speech after losing the election. Schimel said he had to use the law in his own campaign, but called it 'terrible'.

Why it matters

The law allowing unlimited party donations has been controversial, with critics arguing it gives too much power to party leaders and special interests. Schimel's comments as a Republican candidate highlight the bipartisan concerns about the impact of this law on the democratic process in Wisconsin.

The details

In his concession speech, Schimel thanked his wife and campaign team after losing his bid for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. During his remarks, he took aim at a state law that allows unlimited donations to political parties, which he said he had to utilize in his own campaign.

  • Schimel gave his concession speech on April 12, 2026 after losing the Wisconsin Supreme Court election.

The players

Brad Schimel

A former Wisconsin Attorney General and Republican candidate for the state Supreme Court.

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What they’re saying

“I used [the law], of course, last year, because I had to,”

— Brad Schimel, Former Wisconsin Attorney General and Republican Supreme Court Candidate

The takeaway

Schimel's criticism of the law allowing unlimited party donations, even as he utilized it in his own campaign, highlights the bipartisan concerns about the impact of such laws on the democratic process in Wisconsin and the need for campaign finance reform.