Brad Schimel - Ballotpedia

Brad Schimel - Wikipedia

Brad has a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is married to his wife, Sandi. They have two adopted daughters and live in Waukesha County.

Prior to assuming public office, Brad worked as an assistant district attorney for Waukesha County.

Brad Schimel was appointed as a Waukesha County Circuit Judge in 2019. He previously served one term as Wisconsin's attorney general between 2014 and 2018. He ran for re-election in 2018 but did not win. He served four terms as Waukesha County's district attorney, getting elected in 2006 and re-elected in 2008, 2010, and 2012.

2025 Wisconsin General Election

As a circuit court judge, Schimel reviews the decisions of most state administrative agencies, issues marriage licenses, administers probate, oversees civil lawsuits seeking equitable relief, and exercises authority to set aside certain criminal convictions.

As a circuit court judge since 2019, Schimel oversees probate, juvenile, and traffic matters, as well as civil and criminal jury trials.

As state attorney general, Schimel oversaw the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which includes the criminal and civil prosecution of all state and federal offenses, the provision of legal counsel to all state agencies, the defense of the state in all civil actions, and the provision of legal counsel to the governor and all state officials in any actions against them.

As state attorney general from 2015 to 2019, Schimel oversaw the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which includes the criminal and civil prosecution of all state and federal offenses, and provided legal advice to the governor.

As district attorney, Schimel oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal activities, and provided legal counsel and representation to state and local officials in lawsuits against the government.

As district attorney for 10 years, oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal activities, and provided legal representation to local officials.

- As a circuit court judge since 2019, Schimel oversees probate, juvenile, and traffic matters, as well as civil and criminal jury trials.
- As state attorney general from 2015 to 2019, Schimel oversaw the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which includes the criminal and civil prosecution of all state and federal offenses, and provided legal advice to the governor.
- As district attorney for 10 years, oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal activities, and provided legal representation to local officials.

Legal Experience

As attorney general, established a program to address the backlog of untested rape kits.

- As attorney general, established a program to address the backlog of untested rape kits.

Judicial Administration

Who is Brad Schimel? Where Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate ...

NRA Endorses Schimel In Race For Attorney General - Wisconsin Public Radio

Said, "I’m also an originalist when it comes to the Constitution and the amendments. That they’re to be viewed in terms of the perspective of those that ratified the document or the amendments."

Said, "it’s a judge’s role to define the limits of executive authority."

Believes judges should "apply the law as it’s written" and interpret only when necessary, urging fidelity to legislative intent.

Believes judges should "apply the law as it’s written" and interpret only when necessary, urging faithfulness to legislative intent.

Previously, supported Wisconsin's 1849 law which bans abortion without exceptions for rape and incest, but has recently said he would respect the "will of the voters" on the issue.

Believes that if "the Left wins in April, they will End Parental Rights Eliminate School Choice."

Advocates for public funding for private schools, allowing employees to work without mandatory union membership, and requiring individuals to use bathrooms based on their sex at birth.

Opposes gun control and said background checks on gun sales will not reduce gun violence.

- Said, "I’m also an originalist when it comes to the Constitution and the amendments. That they’re to be viewed in terms of the perspective of those that ratified the document or the amendments."
- Said, "it’s a judge’s role to define the limits of executive authority."
- Believes judges should "apply the law as it’s written" and interpret only when necessary, urging faithfulness to legislative intent.
- Previously, supported Wisconsin's 1849 law which bans abortion without exceptions for rape and incest, but has recently said he would respect the "will of the voters" on the issue.
- Advocates for public funding for private schools, allowing employees to work without mandatory union membership, and requiring individuals to use bathrooms based on their sex at birth.
- Opposes gun control and said background checks on gun sales will not reduce gun violence.

Judicial Philosophy

Was reprimanded for refusing to wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Was barred from presiding over cases for refusing to wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ban was lifted after he agreed to wear a face mask.

- Was barred from presiding over cases for refusing to wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ban was lifted after he agreed to wear a face mask.

Ethics & Conduct

As of March 26, 2025, Brad Schimel’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Community Involvement

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Brad Schimel

Brad has a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is married to his wife, Sandi. They have two adopted daughters together.

As a circuit court judge since 2019, Schimel reviews the decisions of state agencies and oversees civil lawsuits.

As district attorney for 10 years, oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal activities, and provided legal representation to state and local officials.

- As a circuit court judge since 2019, Schimel reviews the decisions of state agencies and oversees civil lawsuits.
- As state attorney general from 2015 to 2019, Schimel oversaw the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which includes the criminal and civil prosecution of all state and federal offenses, and provided legal advice to the governor.
- As district attorney for 10 years, oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal activities, and provided legal representation to state and local officials.

- Said, "it’s a judge’s role to define the limits of executive authority."
- Believes judges should "apply the law as it’s written" and interpret only when necessary, urging faithfulness to legislative intent.

Buket Urgen

Susan Crawford

- The Wisconsin Supreme Court, composed of seven justices, is the state's highest court. 
- It has appellate jurisdiction over all Wisconsin courts and selects which cases it will review. It can also hear new cases that have not been previously heard by a Wisconsin court.
- Decisions are made collectively by majority vote, and one justice is chosen to write the majority opinion.
- Justices are elected in statewide, nonpartisan elections for 10-year terms. Vacancies can be filled by the governor's appointment, with staggered elections ensuring that only one judge is elected each year.
- Justices are paid an annual salary of $184,819.

One of seven justices who serves on the highest court of Wisconsin.