MILWAUKEE – Judge Reyna Morales launched her campaign last week to retain her seat for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 42. Judge Morales, the first Guatemalan immigrant to be appointed to the bench, is an active community leader. She was an Assistant Public Defender for over two decades before her appointment to the bench in September of 2020 by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
“It is an honor to be recognized by Gov. Evers to help make a greater change in the county of Milwaukee,” said Judge Morales. “My life experiences provide me with a unique perspective and appreciation of the law. Milwaukee is a diverse county, many people from the Latino community may be in my courtroom, and I understand how important it is for all individuals to feel represented in the legal system.”
Before serving on the bench, Judge Morales represented those who could not afford an attorney as a well-known, respected litigator with the State Public Defender’s Office. She also volunteers in various local organizations, mentoring students, and judging Mock Trial Competitions.
Judge Morales has endorsements from former Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler, former Supreme Court Candidate Professor Ed Fallone, and Appellate Judge Joe Donald. Additionally, she has support from respected attorneys such as Craig Mastantuono, Rebeca Lopez, and Michelle Velasquez, as well as a number of elected officials including Israel Ramon, JoCasta Zamarripa, Marina Dimitrijevic, and Sylvia Ortiz Velez.
Judge Morales was born in Guatemala before moving to the United States. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Marquette University Law School. She is a longtime City of Milwaukee resident, she resides on Milwaukee’s South Side with her husband and two
sons.
