Wisconsin Supreme Court Notice

Petition 26-01: In RE Amendments to SCR 60.04(4)-(8) Concerning Judicial Campaign-Related Recusal Rules

On January 30, 2026, the Honorable Richard G. Niess filed a rule petition on behalf of a group of retired circuit court judges that asks the court to amend Supreme Court Rules (SCR) 60.04(4), (5), (6), (7), and (8), relating to campaign-related judicial recusals. The petition proposes making recusal mandatory in cases where a judge knows or reasonably should know that: 1) any support of the judge’s candidacy for office or a contribution to the judge’s campaign committee; or 2) the sponsorship of an independent expenditure or issue advocacy communication (“independent communication”), by an individual or entity, raises a reasonable concern about the judge’s ability to be impartial. The petition suggests nine factors which should be considered in determining impartiality. The petition also includes a procedure for addressing recusals, including ruling on the record on the question of recusal, stating the reasons for recusing or declining to recuse, and addressing the facts, circumstances, and arguments presented by any party.

ORDER ISSUED: April 6, 2026

DISPOSITION: Public hearing on the petition shall be held at 9:30 a.m on June 4, 2026, in the Supreme Court Hearing Room in the State Capitol, Madison. The court's open administrative conference for the matter will be held the same day, following the public hearing.