Clark County Judge Lyndsey Boon Brunette announced her campaign for the 2027 Wisconsin Supreme Court race on Thursday. The statement was released just over a week after the 2026 race concluded, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.

Brunette, who is considered a liberal candidate, is campaigning to replace current conservative Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler who will be retiring after her term expires in July of 2027, as previously announced in March. Ziegler has been a member of the Wisconsin Supreme Court since 2007, according to her Wisconsin Court System record biography.

“It was just the right time,” Brunette said. “We were ready. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, so I want to start that work, and I want to start working really hard to show [sic] the people of Wisconsin why I’m the next candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.”

According to University of Wisconsin political science professor Barry Burden, the early announcement follows a new strategic pattern that has evolved over the past few years.

“The winner of this year’s race, Chris Taylor, announced about a year ago after the last Supreme Court election cycle had gone through,” Burden said. “It prevented any serious competitors from entering the primary against her who were liberal candidates like her.”

A video released by Brunette’s campaign website states that “Judges should follow the facts and the law, respect the Constitution and protect the rights and freedoms of everyone. That means protecting your personal health care rights, safeguarding voting rights, supporting public safety and ensuring fairness for all.”

Brunette said these issues, which were previously highlighted by Taylor’s campaign, demonstrated what was important for Wisconsin voters.

“[Taylor] really set up and showed Wisconsin what are still very important issues … but [Wisconsin voters] are well aware of the issues right now facing the state of Wisconsin,” Brunette said. “They’re awake. They’re paying attention.”

Brunette mentioned the importance of understanding these issues in order to make the right decision on Election Day.

While Supreme Court positions are nonpartisan, Burden argues that statements like Brunette’s are what voters are currently looking for.

“Voters say they want this information,” Burden said. “They want to know where justices stand, or at least what their values and concerns are. I think it’s now a kind of out of date idea that voters want judges who appear to be independent and are kind of detached from day to day issues. In fact, they seem to reward candidates who are connected to day to day issues.”

The 2027 Wisconsin Supreme Court Election will occur Tuesday, April 6, 2027. Until then, Brunette says she is excited to introduce herself to the people of Wisconsin and learn more about her beliefs.

Wisconsin is now at the forefront in national politics, Brunette said.

“We just want someone up there that’s genuine, that wants to do good work, work hard and protect those rights for our citizens,” Brunette said.

Justice Annette Ziegler did not respond to a request for comment.