Brad Schimel Defends Presidential Pardoning Power in Wisconsin Judicial Contest

The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election has attracted nationwide attention, fueled by discussions about presidential pardoning powers, law enforcement, and key endorsements. Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel, a former attorney general and Waukesha County judge, recently shared his views on President Donald Trump’s controversial pardons for Jan. 6 rioters.

Schimel’s Stand on Pardoning Power

During a press conference, Schimel commented on Trump’s decision to grant clemency to around 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. While Schimel acknowledged the president’s constitutional authority to pardon, he emphasized the importance of law enforcement integrity.

“Presidents have the power to pardon,” Schimel stated. “It’s a power they have. I don’t object to them utilizing that power.”

Later, Schimel clarified his stance, highlighting his disapproval of pardons for individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers. Attacking our men and women in uniform is never acceptable in our society.” However, he stopped short of directly opposing Trump’s specific pardons.

The Candidates: Schimel vs. Crawford

Schimel’s Democratic-backed opponent, Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, criticized the pardons issued by Trump and President Joe Biden. Biden recently granted clemency to his son, Hunter Biden, and other family members, sparking bipartisan concerns.

The April 1 election will determine whether the Wisconsin Supreme Court retains its 4-3 liberal majority or shifts to a conservative majority, making the race pivotal for the state’s legal landscape.

Mixed Reactions to Trump’s Pardons

Trump’s pardons have sparked backlash from Republicans and law enforcement officials. U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who endorsed Schimel, voiced his disapproval of pardoning individuals who attacked police officers during the Capitol riots.

The controversy also reignited debate about fairness in the judicial process for Jan. 6 defendants. Earlier this month, Schimel stated on conservative radio that some defendants “did not get a fair shot” in the courts. His remarks drew criticism, including from a former U.S. Capitol police officer present during the attack, who planned to visit Wisconsin to address Schimel’s comments.

High-Profile Endorsements and Public Interest

Both candidates have secured notable endorsements, reflecting the polarized nature of the race. Schimel has been endorsed by more than 70 sheriffs across Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Police Association, and the Waukesha County Police Chiefs Association. During a press conference, Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and six other Republican members of Congress also expressed their support for Schimel.

Crawford, meanwhile, has the backing of the Wisconsin Democratic Party and several prominent Democratic officeholders, including U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Her campaign emphasizes her progressive credentials, although she has declined to commit to recusal from cases involving major issues like voter ID laws and collective bargaining, both of which she has previously challenged in court.

Elon Musk Weighs In

The national spotlight on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race grew brighter after Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk commented on social media. Musk, a Trump ally, highlighted a previous Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that legalized absentee ballot drop boxes, calling for voters to support Schimel to “prevent voting fraud.”

Schimel expressed surprise at Musk’s attention. “I don’t know what’s in Elon Musk’s mind,” he said. “It was a surprise to me when he tweeted out something recognizing that I exist.”

Crawford’s Vision and Opposition

Crawford has positioned herself as a defender of workers’ rights and voting access. However, her critics argue that her previous legal work reflects a radical agenda. Sen. Ron Johnson accused Crawford of representing the “radical left” and suggested that she would seek to overturn Wisconsin’s voter ID law and Act 10, a controversial measure that curbed collective bargaining for most state employees.

Honeyman, speaking for Crawford’s campaign, reiterated her commitment to judicial impartiality, saying she would make recusal decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Impact of the Election

The outcome of the election could significantly influence Wisconsin’s political and judicial future. A conservative-majority court may uphold measures like voter ID laws and limit absentee ballot access, while a liberal-majority court could expand voting rights and revisit controversial laws affecting workers and public unions.

As campaigns intensify, issues such as law enforcement, presidential clemency, and judicial integrity remain at the forefront. The race highlights the broader struggle between conservative and progressive values in Wisconsin and across the United States.

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