MADISON, Wis.— Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler was elected as the state's next chief justice.
Ziegler was elected by her fellow Wisconsin Supreme Court justices, and will take on her new rule on May 1.
She fills the role currently held by Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack. Roggensack will remain on the court, but did not seek re-election, according to a press release.
“Being chosen to serve as Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is truly the honor of a lifetime,” Ziegler said.
Per Article VII, Section 4 (3) of the Wisconsin Constitution, as the next Chief Justice, Ziegler will work with justices, chief judges, director of the state courts and various administrators to make sure courts throughout Wisconsin are running efficiently. Ziegler will be the administrative leader of the state's judicial system, holding "administrative authority" in regard to all procedures adopted by the Supreme Court.
Ziegler, who hails from Michigan, earned a law degree from Marquette University in 1989. She was elected to the state's highest court in 2007, and re-elected in 2017.
“It’s a long way from sweeping the floors of my parent’s hardware store, but I know the lessons I learned back then formed the foundation for how I will approach this awesome responsibility. I will do all I can to ensure the Wisconsin Supreme Court operates fairly and efficiently with a fidelity to the law," Ziegler said. "We will make the people of this great state proud of our professionalism and collegiality, even during our sometimes vigorous debates. I want to thank my colleagues for their faith in me, especially Chief Justice Roggensack who has set a wonderful example for me to follow. I’m grateful she is remaining on the Court and will be a tremendous resource for me.”
In a press release, Ziegler said as chief justice, she wants to build upon what is already in place and will be taking extra care to ensure the safety and efficiency of the courts during the pandemic.