MILWAUKEE – The campaign for Judge Gwendolyn G. Connolly in Court of Appeals – District 1, today announced her first round of endorsements, including 24 current and former Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judges.
“Having worked alongside Judge Gwen Connolly, I’ve witnessed her unwavering commitment to justice and her ability to skillfully navigate complex legal matters,” said Judge Kristy Yang. “I believe she will be a valuable asset for our judicial system and I enthusiastically endorse her for the Court of Appeals.”
“Judge Gwen Connolly is ready to take on the challenge of the appellate court and brings the right mix of skills to the job,” said Judge Nidhi Kashyap. “She shares our values, and I strongly endorse her to be Milwaukee County’s next appellate judge.”
“I sincerely appreciate the support and encouragement from my respected colleagues in the legal community.” said Judge Gwen Connolly. “Their backing reinforces our common pursuit of justice, and I am eager to collaborate in making a lasting difference within the Court of Appeals.”
The following Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judges have endorsed Connolly today:
Judge David Borowski
Judge Milton Childs
Judge Kristela Cervera
Judge Dennis Cimpl*
Judge Laura Crivello
Judge Jack Dávila
Judge Christopher Dee
Judge David Feiss
Judge Christopher Foley
Judge Michael Hanrahan
Judge Nidhi Kashyap
Judge Katie Kegel
Judge Michael Malmsted*
Judge Thomas McAdams
Judge Reyna Morales
Judge Paul Rifelj*
Judge Mark Sanders
Judge Richard Sankovitz*
Judge Audrey Skwierawski
Judge Joe WallJudge JD Watts
Judge Tim Witkowiak
Judge Glenn Yamahiro
Judge Kristy Yang
* indicates former or retired
A full list of Judge Connolly’s endorsements can be found on the web at gwenforjudge.com/endorse. The nonpartisan election for Court of Appeals – District 1 will take place April 2, 2024, with a primary on February 20 if more than two candidates file. Judge Gwen Connolly’s campaign can be found on the web at gwenforjudge.com and on social media @gwenforjudge.
MORE ABOUT JUDGE GWEN CONNOLLY
Judge Connolly is currently a Circuit Court Judge in Branch 44. She presides over a complex Civil litigation calendar, and previously has served in both Small Claims court and in the Children’s Division, where she heard CHIPS, delinquency, and Termination of Parental Rights matters.
Judge Connolly has previously served as a member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin and has been recognized for her pro bono, mentoring and other professionally-related service. She is President of the Milwaukee Trial Judges Association, and has served on the boards of American Constitution Society, Association for Women Lawyers, Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin, and the Friends of the Domes.
When previously elected to the Circuit Court, Connolly had the support of public safety organizations like the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters and the Milwaukee Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Milwaukee Area Labor Council and unions like the Service Employees International Union, and hundreds of judges, attorneys, elected officials, and community leaders.
Prior to her election, Judge Connolly was in private practice for over 20 years, primarily focused on consumer fraud litigation and family law matters. She also served as an adjunct professor of law at Marquette University Law School and as a judicial clerk.
Judge Connolly is a graduate of Carleton College and Drake University Law School. She is married to Brent C. Bedwell, a federal administrative law judge, and her two older sons graduated from Milwaukee Public Schools, while her youngest son attends Marquette University High School.
