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{{Short description|American lawyer, politician, and judge. 44th Attorney General of Wisconsin.}}
{{Short description|American lawyer, politician, and judge. 44th Attorney General of Wisconsin.}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Brad Schimel
|name = Brad Schimel
|image = Brad Schimel.jpg
|image = Brad Schimel.jpg
|office = {{nobreak|[[Wisconsin circuit courts|Wisconsin Circuit Court]] Judge}} {{nobreak|for the [[Waukesha County, Wisconsin|Waukesha]] Circuit, Branch 6}}
|office = Judge of the [[Wisconsin circuit courts|Wisconsin Circuit Court]]<br>for the [[Waukesha County, Wisconsin|Waukesha]] Circuit<br>Branch 6
|appointer = [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]
| term_start = January 7, 2019
| term_end =
|term_start = January 7, 2019
|term_end =
| appointer = [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]
| predecessor = Patrick Haughney
|predecessor = Patrick Haughney
| successor =
|successor =
|order1 = 44th
|office1 = 44th [[Attorney General of Wisconsin]]
|governor1 = [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]
|office1 = Attorney General of Wisconsin
|term_start1 = January 5, 2015
| governor1 = [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]
| term_start1 = January 5, 2015
|term_end1 = January 7, 2019
|predecessor1 = [[J. B. Van Hollen]]
| term_end1 = January 7, 2019
| predecessor1 = [[J. B. Van Hollen]]
|successor1 = [[Josh Kaul]]
|office2 = District Attorney of [[Waukesha County, Wisconsin|Waukesha County]]
| successor1 = [[Josh Kaul]]
|term_start2 = January 3, 2007
|office2 = District Attorney of {{nobreak|[[Waukesha County, Wisconsin|Waukesha County]]}}
| term_start2 = January 2007
|term_end2 = January 5 2015
| term_end2 = January 2015
|predecessor2 = Paul Bucher
| predecessor2 = Paul Bucher
|successor2 = Susan Opper
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1965|2|18}}
| successor2 = Susan Opper
|birth_place =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1965|2|18}}
|birth_place =
|death_date =
|death_date =
|death_place =
|party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
|death_place =
|party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
|spouse = Sandi Schimel
|residence =
|children = 2
|education = [[University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[University of Wisconsin, Madison]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]])
|spouse = Sandi
|children = 2
|education = {{unbulleted list
| [[University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee]] {{small|([[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]])}}
| [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]] {{small|([[Juris Doctor|J.D.]])}}
}}
}}
'''Brad Schimel''' (born February 18, 1965) is an American lawyer, judge, and [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] politician. He was the 44th [[attorney general of Wisconsin]], serving from 2015 to 2019. He was defeated seeking re-election in [[2018 Wisconsin Attorney General election|2018]], and was subsequently appointed a [[Wisconsin circuit courts|Wisconsin circuit court]] judge in [[Waukesha County, Wisconsin]], by Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]. Schimel is seeking election to the [[Wisconsin Supreme Court]] in the [[2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election|2025 Spring election]]. He also previously served as [[district attorney]] of Waukesha County.
}}
'''Brad Schimel''' (born February 18, 1965) is an American prosecutor and judge. He was the 44th [[Attorney General of Wisconsin]], serving from 2015 to 2019. He was defeated seeking re-election in [[2018 Wisconsin Attorney General election|2018]], and was subsequently appointed [[Wisconsin circuit courts|Wisconsin Circuit Court]] Judge in [[Waukesha County, Wisconsin]], by Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]. Prior to winning election as Attorney General, Schimel was [[district attorney]] of Waukesha County.


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Schimel is a graduate of [[Mukwonago High School]], and holds a B.A. in political science from the [[University of Wisconsin&ndash;Milwaukee]] (1987).<ref>{{cite web |title=Brad Schimel |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Brad_Schimel |publisher=Ballotpedia |access-date=21 November 2018}}</ref> He earned his [[Juris Doctor]] at the [[University of Wisconsin Law School]] in 1990.<ref>{{cite news |title=Candidate Q&A: Attorney general |url=https://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/local/govt-and-politics/candidate-q-a-attorney-general/article_f72abaef-ef62-509f-9734-9a00ec0d8ade.html |access-date=21 November 2018 |publisher=Daily Citizen |date=October 21, 2018}}</ref>
Schimel is a graduate of [[Mukwonago High School]], and holds a B.A. in political science from the [[University of Wisconsin&ndash;Milwaukee]] (1987).<ref>{{cite web |title=Brad Schimel |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Brad_Schimel |publisher=Ballotpedia |access-date=21 November 2018}}</ref> He earned his [[Juris Doctor]] at the [[University of Wisconsin Law School]] in 1990.<ref>{{cite news |title=Candidate Q&A: Attorney general |url=https://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/local/govt-and-politics/candidate-q-a-attorney-general/article_f72abaef-ef62-509f-9734-9a00ec0d8ade.html |access-date=21 November 2018 |publisher=Daily Citizen |date=October 21, 2018}}</ref>

Schimel identifies as a [[Catholic]] and supports [[Anti-abortion movements|pro-life causes]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Brad Schimel |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Brad_Schimel |website=Ballotpedia |access-date=4 March 2024}}</ref>


==Legal career==
==Legal career==
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==Attorney General of Wisconsin==
==Attorney General of Wisconsin==
On October 7, 2013, Van Hollen announced he would not seek reelection in 2014 for a third term as state attorney general.<ref>Patrick Marley. "[http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/jb-van-hollen-wont-seek-third-term-as-attorney-general-b99114726z1-226746901.html J. B. Van Hollen won't seek third term as attorney general]". ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'' October 7, 2013.</ref> Van Hollen endorsed Schimel as his replacement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/republican-attorney-general-j-b-van-hollen-endorses-gop-candidate/article_7cc8b02c-2b0c-5db5-95d0-bfcfe7bec225.html|title=Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen endorses GOP candidate Brad Schimel as replacement|author=Dee J. Hall|website=Host.madison.com|access-date=3 January 2018}}</ref> In the 2014 general election, Schimel defeated opponent Susan Happ.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fox6now.com/2014/11/04/attorney-general-race-brad-schimel-casts-ballot-tuesday-morning-hell-be-in-waukesha-tuesday-night|title=Attorney General race: Republican Brad Schimel defeats Democratic challenger Susan Happ|date=4 November 2014|website=Fox6now.com|access-date=3 January 2018}}</ref>
On October 7, 2013, Van Hollen announced he would not seek reelection in 2014 for a third term as state attorney general.<ref>Patrick Marley. "[http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/jb-van-hollen-wont-seek-third-term-as-attorney-general-b99114726z1-226746901.html J. B. Van Hollen won't seek third term as attorney general]". ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'' October 7, 2013.</ref> Van Hollen endorsed Schimel as his replacement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/republican-attorney-general-j-b-van-hollen-endorses-gop-candidate/article_7cc8b02c-2b0c-5db5-95d0-bfcfe7bec225.html|title=Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen endorses GOP candidate Brad Schimel as replacement|author=Dee J. Hall|website=Host.madison.com|date=29 January 2014 |access-date=3 January 2018}}</ref> In the [[2014 Wisconsin Attorney General election|2014 general election]], Schimel defeated his opponent Democrat Susan Happ.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fox6now.com/2014/11/04/attorney-general-race-brad-schimel-casts-ballot-tuesday-morning-hell-be-in-waukesha-tuesday-night|title=Attorney General race: Republican Brad Schimel defeats Democratic challenger Susan Happ|date=4 November 2014|website=Fox6now.com|access-date=3 January 2018}}</ref>


As Wisconsin Attorney General, Schimel appealed the ruling by a federal judge in the [[United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin]] that [[Brendan Dassey]], one of the subjects of [[Making a Murderer]], had been coerced into confessing to a murder as an intellectually disabled 16-year old.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/us/brendan-dassey-supreme-court.html|title=Supreme Court Won't Hear Appeal of 'Making a Murderer' Subject Brendan Dassey|access-date=2018-10-24|language=en}}</ref> Courts subsequently ruled either to free Dassey or block his release pending a new trial.<ref name=":0" /> Schimel argued that the [[Supreme Court of the United States|United States Supreme Court]] should not hear Dassey's case; when the U.S. Supreme Court declined hearing Dassey's case, Schimel said he was pleased.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wisconsin/articles/2018-06-25/the-latest-attorney-vows-to-keep-fighting-for-dassey|title=The Latest: Attorney Vows to Keep Fighting for Dassey}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbc26.com/news/schimel-supreme-court-shouldnt-review-dassey-confession|title=Schimel: Supreme Court shouldn't review Dassey confession|date=2018-05-11|work=WGBA|access-date=2018-10-24|language=en-US}}</ref>
As Wisconsin Attorney General, Schimel appealed the ruling by a federal judge in the [[United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin]] that [[Brendan Dassey]], one of the subjects of ''[[Making a Murderer]]'', had been coerced into confessing to a murder as an intellectually disabled 16-year old.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/us/brendan-dassey-supreme-court.html|title=Supreme Court Won't Hear Appeal of 'Making a Murderer' Subject Brendan Dassey|work=The New York Times |date=25 June 2018 |access-date=2018-10-24|language=en |last1=Victor |first1=Daniel }}</ref> Courts subsequently ruled either to free Dassey or block his release pending a new trial.<ref name=":0" /> Schimel argued that the [[Supreme Court of the United States|United States Supreme Court]] should not hear Dassey's case; when the U.S. Supreme Court declined hearing Dassey's case, Schimel said he was pleased.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wisconsin/articles/2018-06-25/the-latest-attorney-vows-to-keep-fighting-for-dassey|title=The Latest: Attorney Vows to Keep Fighting for Dassey}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbc26.com/news/schimel-supreme-court-shouldnt-review-dassey-confession|title=Schimel: Supreme Court shouldn't review Dassey confession|date=2018-05-11|work=WGBA|access-date=2018-10-24|language=en-US}}</ref>


Schimel also defended systemic [[gerrymandering]] by the state's Republican legislature, which resulted in Republicans controlling 64% of the legislative seats although the state is almost equally divided in the popular vote. The [[United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit|U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit]] rejected the state's most recent redistricting plan. Schimel petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court in 2017 to overturn that decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/policy/supreme-court-hear-case-partisan-redistricting|title=Supreme Court to Hear Case on Partisan Redistricting|first1=Todd|last1=Ruger|date=19 June 2017|publisher=|access-date=3 January 2018|website=Roll Call}}</ref> In ''[[Gill v. Whitford]]'' (2019), the U.S. Supreme Court sided with Wisconsin Republicans, allowing partisan gerrymandering to continue.<ref>Riley Vetterkind, [https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/u-s-supreme-court-decision-leaves-wisconsin-gerrymandering-case-with-few-prospects/article_72ef834b-e3f0-58ae-b6e2-3162db6cafa8.html U.S. Supreme Court decision leaves Wisconsin gerrymandering case with few prospects], ''Wisconsin State Journal'' (June 28, 2019).</ref><ref>Laurel White, [https://www.wpr.org/us-supreme-court-ruling-effectively-ends-wisconsin-gerrymandering-challenge US Supreme Court Ruling Effectively Ends Wisconsin Gerrymandering Challenge: Court Declined To Rule On Legislative Maps], Wisconsin Public Radio (June 27, 2019).</ref>
Schimel also attempted to resuscitate [[Abortion in Wisconsin|abortion-limiting provisions]] of 2013 Wisconsin Act 37. Those provisions, requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, were struck down by a federal judge in 2013. Schimel appealed the ruling to the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit|7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals]], which upheld the district court decision in their November 2015 ruling.<ref>{{cite court|url=https://cite.case.law/f3d/806/908/ |litigants= Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc. v. Schimel |vol= 806 |reporter= F.3d |opinion= 908 |court= [[United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit|7th Cir.]] |date= November 23, 2015 |accessdate= December 12, 2023 }}</ref> Schimel then appealed to the [[United States Supreme Court]], but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wpr.org/supreme-court-rejects-wisconsins-abortion-law-appeal |title= Supreme Court Rejects Wisconsin's Abortion Law Appeal |date= June 28, 2016 |last=Johnson|first=Shawn |work= [[Wisconsin Public Radio]] |language= en |access-date= December 12, 2023 }}</ref>

In November 2016, a three-judge panel of federal judges found that Wisconsin's [[Redistricting in Wisconsin|legislative map]], enacted in 2011, was an unconstitutional partisan [[Gerrymandering|gerrymander]]. The map had resulted in a persistent Republican majority of about 64% of both legislative chambers despite the popular vote in the state being evenly split between the two parties.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/federal-judges-panel-finds-state-redistricting-plan-an-unconstitutional-gerrymander/article_c7a71b38-b98c-5b9f-aef5-908cc72ee068.html |title= Federal judges panel finds state redistricting plan an 'unconstitutional gerrymander' |first= Ed |last= Treleven |newspaper= [[Wisconsin State Journal]] |date= November 22, 2016 |accessdate= December 12, 2023 }}</ref> Schimel appealed the decision to the United States Supreme Court, which heard the case along with other partisan gerrymandering questions in that term.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/policy/supreme-court-hear-case-partisan-redistricting|title=Supreme Court to Hear Case on Partisan Redistricting|first1=Todd|last1=Ruger|date=19 June 2017|publisher=|access-date=3 January 2018|website=Roll Call}}</ref> The Court gave its opinion in the case ''[[Gill v. Whitford]]'' (2019), siding with Wisconsin Republicans and ruling that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated personal harm, and therefore did not have standing to challenge the map. The decision effectively ended federal court oversight of partisan gerrymandering questions.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/u-s-supreme-court-decision-leaves-wisconsin-gerrymandering-case-with-few-prospects/article_72ef834b-e3f0-58ae-b6e2-3162db6cafa8.html |title= U.S. Supreme Court decision leaves Wisconsin gerrymandering case with few prospects |website= [[Wisconsin State Journal]] |date= June 28, 2019 |first= Riley |last= Vetterkind |accessdate= December 12, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.wpr.org/us-supreme-court-ruling-effectively-ends-wisconsin-gerrymandering-challenge |title= US Supreme Court Ruling Effectively Ends Wisconsin Gerrymandering Challenge |first= Laurel |last= White |work= [[Wisconsin Public Radio]] |date= June 27, 2019 |accessdate= December 12, 2023 }}</ref>


==Career as state judge==
==Career as state judge==
In November 2018, after Schimel was defeated for reelection by Democratic candidate [[Josh Kaul]], Republican Governor Scott Walker (who had lost his own re-election bid to Democratic candidate [[Tony Evers]]) appointed Schmiel to the [[Waukesha County]] [[Wisconsin circuit courts|Circuit Court]]. The state Democratic Party criticized the appointment.<ref name=Appointment>{{cite news |title=Gov. Walker appoints Schimel to the Waukesha County Circuit Court |url=https://apnews.com/559cbcd993934a49a3558080a3edff10|agency=Associated Press|date=November 20, 2018}}</ref> Walker announced the appointment the day after Schimel conceded to Kaul.<ref name=RecommendedFourOther>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/d2072483ea3140618c12299a21c6b5eb|title=Schimel recommended 4 others for open judgeship spot|agency=Associated Press|author=Todd Richmond|date=December 24, 2018}}</ref> Walker passed over 13 applicants for the position to appoint Schimel; it is unclear whether Schimel submitted a formal application for the judicial vacancy.<ref name=RecommendedFourOther/> Schimel had submitted letters of recommendation for four other applicants for the job, including one of his campaign coordinators.<ref name=RecommendedFourOther/>
In November 2018, after Schimel was defeated for reelection by Democratic candidate [[Josh Kaul]], Republican Governor Scott Walker (who had lost his own re-election bid to Democratic candidate [[Tony Evers]]) appointed Schmiel to the [[Waukesha County]] [[Wisconsin circuit courts|Circuit Court]]. The state Democratic Party criticized the appointment.<ref name=Appointment>{{cite news |title=Gov. Walker appoints Schimel to the Waukesha County Circuit Court |url=https://apnews.com/559cbcd993934a49a3558080a3edff10|work=Associated Press News|date=November 20, 2018}}</ref> Walker announced the appointment the day after Schimel conceded to Kaul.<ref name=RecommendedFourOther>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/d2072483ea3140618c12299a21c6b5eb|title=Schimel recommended 4 others for open judgeship spot|work=Associated Press News|author=Todd Richmond|date=December 24, 2018}}</ref> Walker passed over 13 applicants for the position to appoint Schimel; it is unclear whether Schimel submitted a formal application for the judicial vacancy.<ref name=RecommendedFourOther/> Schimel had submitted letters of recommendation for four other applicants for the job, including one of his campaign coordinators.<ref name=RecommendedFourOther/>

In October 2020, Schimel was an [[emcee]] at an Ozaukee County Republican Party fundraising event, alongside [[Ron Johnson]] and other Republican elected officials. This prompted criticism because Wisconsin state law states that judges must refrain from engaging in partisan political activity.<ref name=Bice>Daniel Bice, [https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2020/10/09/chief-justice-banished-judge-brad-schimel-his-courtroom-mask-dispute/5936488002/ Supreme Court chief justice banished Judge Brad Schimel from his own courtroom after he refused to wear mask], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'' (October 9, 2020).</ref><ref name=Defends>Daniel Bice, [https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/investigations/daniel-bice/2020/10/08/judge-brad-schimel-defends-emcee-role-gop-event-featuring-ron-johnson/5910472002/ Judge Brad Schimel defends emcee role GOP event featuring Sen. Ron Johnson], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'' (October 8, 2020).</ref><ref>Bruce Murphy, [https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2020/10/03/murphys-law-did-brad-schimel-break-the-law/ Did Brad Schimel Break the Law?: He emceed political fundraiser. State law prevents judges from all political activities.], ''Urban Milwaukee (October 3, 2021).</ref> Schimel defended his appearance at the event.<ref name=Defends/> Schmiel also attended a [[List of post-2016 election Donald Trump rallies|Donald Trump rally]] at the [[Waukesha County Airport]] later that month, although he "emphasized he was attending the rally as an individual and Trump supporter."<ref>Katherine Beck and Jake Ekdahl, [https://www.gmtoday.com/news/trump-frames-election-as-choice-between-boom-and-lockdown-at-waukesha-rally/article_2892d1e4-1672-11eb-ad98-63985d599b31.html Trump motivates voters at rally in Waukesha], ''Greater Milwaukee Today'' (October 24, 2020).</ref>


During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Schimel initially refused to wear a [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|face covering]] while presiding in court, defying a statewide state court directive requiring the use of face coverings during in-person proceedings, as a measure to prevent the [[transmission of COVID-19]]. After public defenders complained for months that Schimel's actions were putting litigants and counsel at risk, Schmiel was reprimanded by the chief judge of the 3rd Judicial District. Chief Justice [[Patience Roggensack]] of the [[Wisconsin Supreme Court]], who is the head of the Wisconsin state court system, barred Schimel from presiding over cases in person due to his refusal to wear a face covering (or hold proceedings all remotely via [[videoconference]]). The ban was lifted after Schimel agreed to wear a face covering in court.<ref name=Bice/>
In October 2020, Schimel was an [[emcee]] at an Ozaukee County Republican Party fundraising event, alongside [[Ron Johnson (Wisconsin politician)|Ron Johnson]] and other Republican elected officials. This prompted criticism because Wisconsin state law states that judges must refrain from engaging in partisan political activity.<ref name=Bice>Daniel Bice, [https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2020/10/09/chief-justice-banished-judge-brad-schimel-his-courtroom-mask-dispute/5936488002/ Supreme Court chief justice banished Judge Brad Schimel from his own courtroom after he refused to wear mask], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'' (October 9, 2020).</ref><ref name=Defends>Daniel Bice, [https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/investigations/daniel-bice/2020/10/08/judge-brad-schimel-defends-emcee-role-gop-event-featuring-ron-johnson/5910472002/ Judge Brad Schimel defends emcee role GOP event featuring Sen. Ron Johnson], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'' (October 8, 2020).</ref><ref>Bruce Murphy, [https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2020/10/03/murphys-law-did-brad-schimel-break-the-law/ Did Brad Schimel Break the Law?: He emceed political fundraiser. State law prevents judges from all political activities.], ''Urban Milwaukee (October 3, 2021).</ref> Schimel defended his appearance at the event.<ref name=Defends/> Schmiel also attended a [[List of post-2016 election Donald Trump rallies|Donald Trump rally]] at the [[Waukesha County Airport]] later that month, although he "emphasized he was attending the rally as an individual and Trump supporter."<ref>Katherine Beck and Jake Ekdahl, [https://www.gmtoday.com/news/trump-frames-election-as-choice-between-boom-and-lockdown-at-waukesha-rally/article_2892d1e4-1672-11eb-ad98-63985d599b31.html Trump motivates voters at rally in Waukesha], ''Greater Milwaukee Today'' (October 24, 2020).</ref>


Schimel declared his candidacy for the [[Wisconsin Supreme Court]] on November 30, 2023. He is running in the [[2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election]], challenging incumbent justice [[Ann Walsh Bradley]].<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/lazar-still-mulling-25-supreme-court-bid-as-schimel-prepares-to-launch-campaign/ |title= Lazar still mulling ‘25 Supreme Court bid as Schimel prepares to launch campaign |website= [[Wispolitics.com]] |date= November 28, 2023 |accessdate= November 28, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/schimel-launches-25-bid-for-state-supreme-court/ |title= Schimel launches ’25 bid for state Supreme Court |work= [[Wispolitics.com]] |date= November 30, 2023 |accessdate= November 30, 2023 }}</ref>
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Schimel initially refused to wear a [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|face covering]] while presiding in court, defying a statewide state court directive requiring the use of face coverings during in-person proceedings, as a measure to prevent the [[transmission of COVID-19]]. After public defenders complained for months that Schimel's actions were putting litigants and counsel at risk, Schmiel was reprimanded by the chief judge of the 3rd Judicial District. Chief Justice [[Patience Roggensack]] of the [[Wisconsin Supreme Court]], who is the head of the Wisconsin state court system) barred Schimel from presiding over cases in person due to his refusal to wear a face covering (or hold proceedings all remotely via [[videoconference]]). The ban was lifted after Schimel agreed to wear a face covering in court.<ref name=Bice/>


==Electoral history==
==Electoral history==
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}}
}}
{{Election box total
{{Election box total
|votes = '''35,199'''
|votes = 35,199
|percentage = '''100.0%'''
|percentage = 100.0%
|change =
|change =
}}
}}
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}}
}}
{{Election box total
{{Election box total
|votes = '''133,807'''
|votes = 133,807
|percentage = '''100.0%'''
|percentage = 100.0%
|change =
|change =
}}
}}
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}}
}}
{{Election box total
{{Election box total
|votes = '''169,061'''
|votes = 169,061
|percentage = '''100.0%'''
|percentage = 100.0%
|change =
|change =
}}
}}
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}}
}}
{{Election box total
{{Election box total
|votes = '''51,290'''
|votes = 51,290
|percentage = '''100.0%'''
|percentage = 100.0%
|change =
|change =
}}
}}
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}}
}}
{{Election box total
{{Election box total
|votes = '''159,575'''
|votes = 159,575
|percentage = '''100.0%'''
|percentage = 100.0%
|change =
|change =
}}
}}
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===Wisconsin Attorney General (2014, 2018)===
===Wisconsin Attorney General (2014, 2018)===
{{Election box begin | title=Wisconsin Attorney General Election, 2014}}
{{Election box begin | title=Wisconsin Attorney General Election, 2014}}
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| '''Primary Election, August 12, 2014'''
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Brad Schimel
|votes = 219,088
|percentage = 44.11%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Susan V. Happ
|votes = 144,725
|percentage = 29.14%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = [[Jon Richards]]
|votes = 90,213
|percentage = 18.16%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Ismael Ozanne
|votes = 42,626
|percentage = 8.58%
|change =
}}
{{Election box total
|votes = '''496,652'''
|percentage = '''100.0%'''
|change =
}}
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| '''General Election, November 4, 2014'''
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| '''General Election, November 4, 2014'''
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
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|candidate = Brad Schimel
|candidate = Brad Schimel
|votes = 1,211,388
|votes = 1,211,388
|percentage = 51.57%
|percentage = 51.54%
|change =
|change = -6.25pp
}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
{{Election box candidate with party link|
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|candidate = Susan V. Happ
|candidate = Susan V. Happ
|votes = 1,066,866
|votes = 1,066,866
|percentage = 45.41%
|percentage = 45.39%
|change =
|change = +3.26pp
}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Independent (United States)
|party = Independent (United States)
|candidate = Thomas A. Nelson, Sr.
|candidate = Thomas A. Nelson Sr.
|votes = 70,951
|votes = 70,951
|percentage = 3.02%
|percentage = 3.02%
|change =
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party =
|candidate = ''Scattering''
|votes = 1,120
|percentage = 0.05%
|change = -0.03pp
}}
{{Election box plurality
|votes = 144,522
|percentage = 6.15%
|change = -9.51pp
}}
}}
{{Election box total
{{Election box total
|votes = '''2,349,205'''
|votes = 2,350,325
|percentage = '''100.0%'''
|percentage = 100.0%
|change =
|change = +11.26%
}}
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing|
{{Election box hold with party link no swing|
Line 252: Line 231:


{{Election box begin | title=Wisconsin Attorney General Election, 2018}}
{{Election box begin | title=Wisconsin Attorney General Election, 2018}}
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| '''Primary Election, August 14, 2018'''
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = [[Josh Kaul]]
|votes = 432,954
|percentage = 52.12%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Brad Schimel (incumbent)
|votes = 394,799
|percentage = 47.52%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = Constitution Party (United States)
|candidate = Terry Larson
|votes = 354
|percentage = 0.04%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party =
|candidate = ''Scattering''
|votes = 2,638
|percentage = 0.32%
|change =
}}
{{Election box total
|votes = '''830,745'''
|percentage = '''100.0%'''
|change =
}}
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| '''General Election, November 6, 2018'''
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| '''General Election, November 6, 2018'''
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
Line 292: Line 237:
|votes = 1,305,902
|votes = 1,305,902
|percentage = 49.41%
|percentage = 49.41%
|change = +4.00%
|change = +4.02pp
}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
{{Election box candidate with party link|
Line 299: Line 244:
|votes = 1,288,712
|votes = 1,288,712
|percentage = 48.76%
|percentage = 48.76%
|change = -2.80%
|change = -2.78pp
}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
{{Election box candidate with party link|
Line 314: Line 259:
|percentage = 0.05%
|percentage = 0.05%
|change =
|change =
}}
{{Election box plurality
|votes = 17,190
|percentage = 0.65%
|change = -5.50pp
}}
}}
{{Election box total
{{Election box total
|votes = '''2,642,851'''
|votes = 2,642,851
|percentage = '''100.0%'''
|percentage = 100.0%
|change = '''+12.50%'''
|change = +12.45%
}}
}}
{{Election box gain with party link no swing|
{{Election box gain with party link no swing|
Line 335: Line 285:


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[J. B. Van Hollen]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[Attorney General of Wisconsin]]|years=[[2014 Wisconsin Attorney General election|2014]], [[2018 Wisconsin Attorney General election|2018]]}}
{{s-aft|after=Eric Toney}}
|-
{{s-legal}}
{{s-legal}}
{{s-bef|before = Paul Bucher}}
{{s-bef|before=[[J. B. Van Hollen]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = District Attorney of {{nobreak|[[Waukesha County, Wisconsin]]}}|years=2007{{spaced ndash}}2015}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Attorneys General of Wisconsin|Attorney General of Wisconsin]]|years=2015–2019}}
{{s-aft|after = Susan Opper}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Josh Kaul]]}}
{{s-bef|before = [[J. B. Van Hollen]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[List of Attorneys General of Wisconsin|Attorney General of Wisconsin]]|years=2015{{spaced ndash}}2019}}
{{s-aft|after = [[Josh Kaul]]}}
{{s-bef|before = Patrick Haughney}}
{{s-ttl|title = {{nobreak|[[Wisconsin circuit courts|Wisconsin Circuit Court]] Judge for the [[Waukesha County, Wisconsin|Waukesha]] Circuit, Branch 6}}|years =2019{{spaced ndash}}present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


Latest revision as of 05:47, 11 May 2024

Brad Schimel
Judge of the Wisconsin Circuit Court
for the Waukesha Circuit
Branch 6
Assumed office
January 7, 2019
Appointed byScott Walker
Preceded byPatrick Haughney
44th Attorney General of Wisconsin
In office
January 5, 2015 – January 7, 2019
GovernorScott Walker
Preceded byJ. B. Van Hollen
Succeeded byJosh Kaul
District Attorney of Waukesha County
In office
January 3, 2007 – January 5 2015
Preceded byPaul Bucher
Succeeded bySusan Opper
Personal details
Born (1965-02-18) February 18, 1965 (age 59)
Political partyRepublican
SpouseSandi Schimel
Children2
EducationUniversity of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (BA)
University of Wisconsin, Madison (JD)

Brad Schimel (born February 18, 1965) is an American lawyer, judge, and Republican politician. He was the 44th attorney general of Wisconsin, serving from 2015 to 2019. He was defeated seeking re-election in 2018, and was subsequently appointed a Wisconsin circuit court judge in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, by Governor Scott Walker. Schimel is seeking election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the 2025 Spring election. He also previously served as district attorney of Waukesha County.

Early life and education[edit]

Schimel is a graduate of Mukwonago High School, and holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (1987).[1] He earned his Juris Doctor at the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1990.[2]

Schimel identifies as a Catholic and supports pro-life causes.[3]

Legal career[edit]

He began his career as a prosecutor in 1990, when he joined the Waukesha County District Attorney's office. In 2006 Schimel was elected Waukesha County District Attorney. He would be re-elected without opposition in 2008, 2010, and 2012.

In 2011, Schimel was appointed to serve on the Wisconsin Judicial Council and the Wisconsin Crime Victim Council.[4]

Schimel is an instructor in the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Department at Waukesha County Technical College, and is a former adjunct instructor at Concordia University Wisconsin.[5]

Attorney General of Wisconsin[edit]

On October 7, 2013, Van Hollen announced he would not seek reelection in 2014 for a third term as state attorney general.[6] Van Hollen endorsed Schimel as his replacement.[7] In the 2014 general election, Schimel defeated his opponent Democrat Susan Happ.[8]

As Wisconsin Attorney General, Schimel appealed the ruling by a federal judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin that Brendan Dassey, one of the subjects of Making a Murderer, had been coerced into confessing to a murder as an intellectually disabled 16-year old.[9] Courts subsequently ruled either to free Dassey or block his release pending a new trial.[9] Schimel argued that the United States Supreme Court should not hear Dassey's case; when the U.S. Supreme Court declined hearing Dassey's case, Schimel said he was pleased.[10][11]

Schimel also attempted to resuscitate abortion-limiting provisions of 2013 Wisconsin Act 37. Those provisions, requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, were struck down by a federal judge in 2013. Schimel appealed the ruling to the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which upheld the district court decision in their November 2015 ruling.[12] Schimel then appealed to the United States Supreme Court, but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal.[13]

In November 2016, a three-judge panel of federal judges found that Wisconsin's legislative map, enacted in 2011, was an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander. The map had resulted in a persistent Republican majority of about 64% of both legislative chambers despite the popular vote in the state being evenly split between the two parties.[14] Schimel appealed the decision to the United States Supreme Court, which heard the case along with other partisan gerrymandering questions in that term.[15] The Court gave its opinion in the case Gill v. Whitford (2019), siding with Wisconsin Republicans and ruling that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated personal harm, and therefore did not have standing to challenge the map. The decision effectively ended federal court oversight of partisan gerrymandering questions.[16][17]

Career as state judge[edit]

In November 2018, after Schimel was defeated for reelection by Democratic candidate Josh Kaul, Republican Governor Scott Walker (who had lost his own re-election bid to Democratic candidate Tony Evers) appointed Schmiel to the Waukesha County Circuit Court. The state Democratic Party criticized the appointment.[18] Walker announced the appointment the day after Schimel conceded to Kaul.[19] Walker passed over 13 applicants for the position to appoint Schimel; it is unclear whether Schimel submitted a formal application for the judicial vacancy.[19] Schimel had submitted letters of recommendation for four other applicants for the job, including one of his campaign coordinators.[19]

In October 2020, Schimel was an emcee at an Ozaukee County Republican Party fundraising event, alongside Ron Johnson and other Republican elected officials. This prompted criticism because Wisconsin state law states that judges must refrain from engaging in partisan political activity.[20][21][22] Schimel defended his appearance at the event.[21] Schmiel also attended a Donald Trump rally at the Waukesha County Airport later that month, although he "emphasized he was attending the rally as an individual and Trump supporter."[23]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Schimel initially refused to wear a face covering while presiding in court, defying a statewide state court directive requiring the use of face coverings during in-person proceedings, as a measure to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. After public defenders complained for months that Schimel's actions were putting litigants and counsel at risk, Schmiel was reprimanded by the chief judge of the 3rd Judicial District. Chief Justice Patience Roggensack of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, who is the head of the Wisconsin state court system, barred Schimel from presiding over cases in person due to his refusal to wear a face covering (or hold proceedings all remotely via videoconference). The ban was lifted after Schimel agreed to wear a face covering in court.[20]

Schimel declared his candidacy for the Wisconsin Supreme Court on November 30, 2023. He is running in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, challenging incumbent justice Ann Walsh Bradley.[24][25]

Electoral history[edit]

Waukesha District Attorney (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012)[edit]

Waukesha County District Attorney Election, 2006
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Primary Election, September 12, 2006
Republican Brad Schimel 20,270 57.59%
Republican Dennis Krueger 14,917 42.38%
Scattering 12 0.03%
Total votes 35,199 100.0%
General Election, November 7, 2006
Republican Brad Schimel 132,967 99.39%
Scattering 820 0.61%
Total votes 133,807 100.0%
Republican hold
Waukesha County District Attorney Election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
General Election, November 4, 2008
Republican Brad Schimel 168,330 99.57%
Scattering 731 0.43%
Total votes 169,061 100.0%
Republican hold
Waukesha County District Attorney Election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
General Election, November 2, 2010
Republican Brad Schimel 51,290 100.0%
Total votes 51,290 100.0%
Republican hold
Waukesha County District Attorney Election, 2012
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
General Election, November 6, 2012
Republican Brad Schimel 158,479 99.31%
Scattering 1.096 0.69%
Total votes 159,575 100.0%
Republican hold

Wisconsin Attorney General (2014, 2018)[edit]

Wisconsin Attorney General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
General Election, November 4, 2014
Republican Brad Schimel 1,211,388 51.54% -6.25pp
Democratic Susan V. Happ 1,066,866 45.39% +3.26pp
Independent Thomas A. Nelson Sr. 70,951 3.02%
Scattering 1,120 0.05% -0.03pp
Plurality 144,522 6.15% -9.51pp
Total votes 2,350,325 100.0% +11.26%
Republican hold
Wisconsin Attorney General Election, 2018
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
General Election, November 6, 2018
Democratic Josh Kaul 1,305,902 49.41% +4.02pp
Republican Brad Schimel (incumbent) 1,288,712 48.76% -2.78pp
Constitution Terry Larson 47,038 1.78%
Scattering 1,199 0.05%
Plurality 17,190 0.65% -5.50pp
Total votes 2,642,851 100.0% +12.45%
Democratic gain from Republican

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Brad Schimel". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  2. ^ "Candidate Q&A: Attorney general". Daily Citizen. October 21, 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  3. ^ "Brad Schimel". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  4. ^ Wisconsin DOJ https://www.doj.state.wi.us/exec-profile/brad-d-schimel
  5. ^ "Waukesha County DA announces attorney general candidacy". Twin Cities Pioneer Press. October 14, 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  6. ^ Patrick Marley. "J. B. Van Hollen won't seek third term as attorney general". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel October 7, 2013.
  7. ^ Dee J. Hall (29 January 2014). "Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen endorses GOP candidate Brad Schimel as replacement". Host.madison.com. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  8. ^ "Attorney General race: Republican Brad Schimel defeats Democratic challenger Susan Happ". Fox6now.com. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  9. ^ a b Victor, Daniel (25 June 2018). "Supreme Court Won't Hear Appeal of 'Making a Murderer' Subject Brendan Dassey". The New York Times. Retrieved 2018-10-24.
  10. ^ "The Latest: Attorney Vows to Keep Fighting for Dassey".
  11. ^ "Schimel: Supreme Court shouldn't review Dassey confession". WGBA. 2018-05-11. Retrieved 2018-10-24.
  12. ^ Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc. v. Schimel, 806 F.3d 908 (7th Cir. November 23, 2015).
  13. ^ Johnson, Shawn (June 28, 2016). "Supreme Court Rejects Wisconsin's Abortion Law Appeal". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  14. ^ Treleven, Ed (November 22, 2016). "Federal judges panel finds state redistricting plan an 'unconstitutional gerrymander'". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  15. ^ Ruger, Todd (19 June 2017). "Supreme Court to Hear Case on Partisan Redistricting". Roll Call. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  16. ^ Vetterkind, Riley (June 28, 2019). "U.S. Supreme Court decision leaves Wisconsin gerrymandering case with few prospects". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  17. ^ White, Laurel (June 27, 2019). "US Supreme Court Ruling Effectively Ends Wisconsin Gerrymandering Challenge". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  18. ^ "Gov. Walker appoints Schimel to the Waukesha County Circuit Court". Associated Press News. November 20, 2018.
  19. ^ a b c Todd Richmond (December 24, 2018). "Schimel recommended 4 others for open judgeship spot". Associated Press News.
  20. ^ a b Daniel Bice, Supreme Court chief justice banished Judge Brad Schimel from his own courtroom after he refused to wear mask, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (October 9, 2020).
  21. ^ a b Daniel Bice, Judge Brad Schimel defends emcee role GOP event featuring Sen. Ron Johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (October 8, 2020).
  22. ^ Bruce Murphy, Did Brad Schimel Break the Law?: He emceed political fundraiser. State law prevents judges from all political activities., Urban Milwaukee (October 3, 2021).
  23. ^ Katherine Beck and Jake Ekdahl, Trump motivates voters at rally in Waukesha, Greater Milwaukee Today (October 24, 2020).
  24. ^ "Lazar still mulling '25 Supreme Court bid as Schimel prepares to launch campaign". Wispolitics.com. November 28, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  25. ^ "Schimel launches '25 bid for state Supreme Court". Wispolitics.com. November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.

External links[edit]

Party political offices
Preceded by Republican nominee for Attorney General of Wisconsin
2014, 2018 		Succeeded by
Eric Toney
Legal offices
Preceded by Attorney General of Wisconsin
2015–2019 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brad_Schimel&oldid=1223301840"