On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin will hold a nonpartisan election for a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The candidates are competing to fill the seat of incumbent Justice Ann Walsh Bradley who is retiring. The primary election was canceled given that only two candidates are running. The candidates are Dane County Circuit Court judge Susan Crawford, who has been endorsed by the Wisconsin Democratic Party, and Waukesha County Circuit Court judge Brad Schimel, who previously served as attorney general, a position he ran for as a Republican.
*Spending figures last updated February 4, 2025
Estimated Total TV Spending: $1,293,150*
Candidates:
- Estimated spending by Brad Schimel: $622,020
Estimated spending by Susan Crawford: $671,130
Source: Vivvix/CMAG
Advertisements
February 4 – WI Schimel Injustice To Us All
In this ad, the voiceover says: “Be traumatized by Crawford’s disregard for justice, her criminal coddling record is an injustice to us all.”
Sponsor: Brad Schimel
Estimated Spending: TBD
January 21 – WI Crawford Common Sense
In this ad, Judge Crawford says: “For me, being a judge is really pretty simple. There is right and there’s wrong and I’ll always do the right thing for Wisconsin.”
Sponsor: Susan Crawford
Estimated Spending: $172,890
January 21 – WI Crawford Common Sense B Roll
In this ad, a voiceover says: "On the Supreme Court, she’ll look at the facts and uphold the law – fair, impartial, common sense.
Sponsor: Susan Crawford
Estimated Spending: $169,250
January 21 – WI Crawford Untested
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Brad Schimel – he let 6,000 rape kits sit untested for two years while survivors waited for justice.”
Sponsor: Susan Crawford
Estimated Spending: $131,260
January 21 – WI Crawford 1849 Law
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Brad Schimel – he wants to bring back the 1849 law that bans all abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest.”
Sponsor: Susan Crawford
Estimated Spending: $197,730
January 17 – WI Schimel Job Title
In this ad, Judge Schimel says: “Your job title shouldn’t define you but in the job I’m running for it should. I’m Brad Schimel and justice is my life’s work.”
Sponsor: Brad Schimel
Estimated Spending: $316,810
January 14 – WI Schimel Justice for Victims
In this ad, Judge Schimel says: “Law school taught me the rights of the accused but justice for the abused is denied all too often.”
Sponsor: Brad Schimel
Estimated Spending: $305,210
