Trump’s Authoritarian Shift Pushes Puerto Rican Judge Pedro Colón to Run for Wisconsin Supreme Court

Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge Pedro Colón, a Puerto Rican Democrat with a career spanning state politics and the judiciary, has launched his campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the 2027 election, positioning himself as a candidate whose personal and professional experiences align with the state’s evolving legal landscape. Colón’s entry into the race follows a landmark 20-point liberal victory in this year’s Supreme Court election, which secured a 5-2 majority for Democrats until at least 2030.

Colón’s candidacy marks the second liberal campaign announced this month, joining Clark County Circuit Court Judge Lyndsey Brunette, who entered the race earlier. The election will determine the successor to Justice Annette Ziegler, whose retirement will create a seat that could tip the court’s ideological balance further toward the left if a liberal candidate prevails. A win would give liberals a 6-1 majority on the court, where justices serve 10-year terms.

Colón’s background is deeply rooted in Wisconsin’s political and legal institutions. Born in Puerto Rico, he moved to Milwaukee at age 10, speaking no English. He later became the first Latino elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, serving from 1999 to 2010. In 2010, he was appointed as a Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge by then-Governor Jim Doyle, a position he held until 2023, when Governor Tony Evers appointed him to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, where he now serves as the presiding judge for District I.

I came to Milwaukee at 10 years old, not speaking a word of English. I know what it feels like to stand before a system that was not built for you. For 15 years on the bench, I have made sure every person who walks into my courtroom gets the same thing: a listening ear and a fair shot. That is exactly what I will do on the Supreme Court.

Pedro Colón, Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge

Colón’s campaign statement underscores his belief that Wisconsin—and the nation—are at a crossroads, with consequential cases expected to come before the Supreme Court in the coming decade. His announcement highlights his unique perspective as someone who has navigated both the legislative and judicial branches of government, as well as his personal experience as an immigrant in a system not originally designed for him.

In an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), Colón emphasized his extensive legal experience, particularly his tenure on the bench, as a distinguishing factor in the race. He stated that his background—including his legislative work and his upbringing—positions him to bring a fresh perspective to the Supreme Court.

Brunette’s campaign responded to Colón’s announcement, asserting that her decade-long tenure as a circuit court judge “matches or exceeds nearly every justice at the time of their elections.” The Brunette campaign also questioned Colón’s timing, noting that his critique of her record came on the day of his own campaign launch.

As of now, no conservative candidate has entered the 2027 race, leaving the field open for a potential liberal sweep. The election will be closely watched, as it could further solidify the court’s ideological balance in a state where Supreme Court races have increasingly become a proxy for broader political battles.

Colón’s campaign is expected to draw on his personal narrative of resilience and his professional experience, framing his bid as one that reflects both his legal expertise and his commitment to ensuring fairness in Wisconsin’s judicial system.

For now, the race remains fluid, with both candidates positioning themselves as the best-equipped to lead the court through what Colón describes as a pivotal period for Wisconsin’s legal landscape.