WISCONSIN — October 30, 2026 — Elizabeth A. Fitzgibbon, Independent candidate for Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District, is announcing the launch of From One Judgment, a Movement — Wisconsin Judicial Accountability Initiative, a statewide effort to bring greater public attention to judicial accountability and organize citizens seeking meaningful oversight throughout Wisconsin.

The initiative will begin with Fitzgibbon’s intention to pursue the recall of Winnebago County Circuit Court Judges Bryan Keberlein, Michael Rust, and Scott Woldt, while establishing a framework for communities across Wisconsin to examine documented concerns about judicial conduct and consider appropriate accountability measures.

The announcement comes as Fitzgibbon continues her congressional campaign ahead of the November 3 election. She says the initiative reflects work that began long before her candidacy and will continue regardless of the election’s outcome.

“Long before I ever asked for your vote, I was fighting for your rights,” Fitzgibbon said. “I entered this congressional race because the problems surrounding our justice system—and the lack of meaningful accountability when people’s rights are violated—are too important to ignore. But this work was never dependent on holding elected office, and it isn’t dependent on the outcome of one election. I’m continuing my campaign for Congress while building a statewide effort to help citizens pursue transparency and accountability in our courts.”

More than a year ago, Fitzgibbon sent a comprehensive memorandum to all 535 members of Congress and the entire Wisconsin State Assembly outlining what she believes is a serious constitutional oversight gap in family court. Separately, she pursued legislative action regarding what she believes was egregious judicial misconduct in her own landmark family law case, including raising the possibility of impeachment with her state representative.

Fitzgibbon brought those concerns to Representative Dean Kaufert, citing the Wisconsin Constitution’s provision for impeachment of civil officers, including judges, for corrupt conduct in office or crimes and misdemeanors. Kaufert told her that impeachment had essentially never been done in Wisconsin and that judges were too powerful for people in his circles to want to take them on. He ultimately suggested that she pursue judicial accountability through a public recall campaign.

Fitzgibbon also sought meetings with the three candidates seeking to succeed Kaufert to discuss legislative accountability, but those efforts did not result in meetings.

“Had the legislative path moved forward, I would have continued pursuing it,” Fitzgibbon said. “But those efforts did not produce a way forward. Representative Kaufert pointed to recall as the avenue available to the people. If the Legislature will not take the lead, then citizens can organize, examine the evidence, and exercise the accountability powers available to them.”

A Statewide Effort Grounded in Documentation

Fitzgibbon plans to organize statewide Zoom roundtables to hear from Wisconsin residents, review available documentation and public records, and identify where concerns may warrant further investigation and potential recall efforts.

The initiative will not be limited to Winnebago County. Fitzgibbon will lead the initial local effort while developing a framework that can be used by communities elsewhere in Wisconsin. Local participation will be essential to any county-level campaign, including organizing volunteers, reviewing documentation, meeting applicable legal requirements, and building public awareness.

The initiative will also coordinate public communications to bring documented concerns to the attention of local reporters, newsrooms, elected officials, and communities. Fitzgibbon plans to assist with press releases, letters to the editor, and other public-facing materials, while seeking volunteers to help distribute information, develop media contacts, connect with reporters, and share verified material.

“Identifying conduct that warrants scrutiny is only part of the challenge,” Fitzgibbon said. “People also need to know what is being examined, what the evidence supports, and how they can participate. I’ll help develop the message and coordinate the effort, but this cannot depend on one person or one county. It will take people throughout Wisconsin working together.”

More Than a Litigants’ Movement

Fitzgibbon says the initiative is intended to address the health and integrity of the judiciary—not simply the experiences of individual litigants.

She points to the professional risks attorneys may perceive when considering whether to challenge an incumbent judge in an election. Concerns about professional relationships, the future of their practices, or the consequences of losing a judicial race may discourage otherwise qualified attorneys from seeking judicial office.

“Wisconsin has attorneys with the experience, judgment, and qualifications to serve as judges,” Fitzgibbon said. “But if qualified people believe challenging an incumbent could put their professional futures at risk, that can have a chilling effect on who is willing to step forward. Recall is not only about removing judges when the circumstances warrant it. It’s also about making room for new leadership and reinforcing that judicial office is a public trust—not a protected position. The goal isn’t to replace one set of untouchable officials with another. It’s to make sure no one who holds judicial power ever believes they’re untouchable in the first place.”

An Invitation to Participate

Wisconsin residents who have experienced or witnessed judicial conduct they believe warrants examination, who have relevant documentation, or who would like to volunteer are encouraged to get involved. The initiative will focus on documented concerns and careful review rather than unsupported accusations.

Fitzgibbon will lead the Winnebago County effort and help establish the statewide framework. Communities interested in pursuing accountability in their own counties will need local leaders and volunteers willing to organize, examine public records, build teams, and bring verified information to the public.

Updates, information about upcoming roundtables, and opportunities to participate will be shared through the initiative’s Facebook page:

From One Judgment, a Movement — Wisconsin Judicial Accountability Initiative

Fitzgibbon emphasized that the initiative does not replace her congressional campaign or signal a step away from her candidacy.

“I am continuing this congressional campaign because I believe we need independent voices in Washington willing to challenge entrenched power, demand transparency, and hold government accountable,” Fitzgibbon said. “But accountability cannot begin or end with one election, one office, or one person. It must exist at every level of government—including our courts. The election doesn’t end the fight for accountability. It opens the next chapter, and I’m committed to carrying that fight forward in Congress and right here at home.”