The Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) has released new polling data ahead of the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, showing former Attorney General Brad Schimel with an early advantage over Judge Janet Crawford. Schimel leads with 40% of voter support, compared to Crawford’s 35%, with 23% still undecided. The poll, conducted by Napolitan News Service, surveyed 800 registered voters from January 17-21, 2025, with a margin of error of ±3.5%.
The Supreme Court primary election takes place on February 18, early voting starts on February 4th and goes to the 15. The general election is on April 1, with early to begin on March 17th in most municipalities. You can visit myvote.wi.gov to learn more on your voting times, and places.
Beyond the head-to-head race, the poll highlights key voter concerns regarding judicial philosophy and governance. An overwhelming 91% of respondents indicated they want Supreme Court justices to base their rulings on the Constitution and law rather than personal political preferences. When asked what matters most in selecting a candidate, 52% prioritized candidates who align with their values, while 27% preferred those known for being tough on crime.
Voters also expressed skepticism toward bureaucratic power, with 32% believing the state legislature should handle major policy decisions, compared to only 8% who favor unelected state agency officials making such decisions. Additionally, 76% of voters believe there should be a mechanism for elected officials and voters to overturn regulations.
On policy issues, a 47% to 37% plurality of voters back candidates who support Act 10, the controversial law that limits collective bargaining for public-sector unions. On abortion, a strong majority of voters favor a 20-week restriction rather than a complete ban.
Election integrity remains a major concern, with nearly 50% of voters opposing the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s recent decision to reinstate drop boxes, which were made legal just before the 2020 election. Additionally, 49% of respondents believe mobile voting units present a risk of election fraud and give an unfair advantage to some candidates.
IRG’s polling has provided key insights throughout the 2024 election cycle and continues to track voter sentiment heading into 2025. With a significant number of voters still undecided in the Supreme Court race, the coming months will be crucial for both candidates as they seek to solidify their support.