MILWAUKEE — Former Wisconsin Court of Appeals Chief Judge Maxine White today announced her endorsement of Judge Nathan Petrashek to continue serving the people of Milwaukee County in Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District I.Judge White retired from the Court of Appeals earlier this year after a distinguished career spanning more than three decades on the bench, including service as Chief Judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and as Chief Judge of Milwaukee County. Following her retirement, Governor Tony Evers appointed Judge Nathan Petrashek to continue serving the people of District I.“Nathan is exceptionally well prepared to serve on the Court of Appeals,” said Judge White. “His deep understanding of appellate law, his commitment to fairness, and his dedication to public service make him an outstanding judge. I am proud to endorse his candidacy and confident that he will continue to serve the people of Wisconsin with integrity, diligence, and impartiality.”“I am deeply honored to receive Judge White’s endorsement,” said Judge Petrashek. “Judge White has been a trailblazer in Wisconsin’s legal community and a model of judicial excellence. Her leadership, fairness, and commitment to justice have strengthened our courts and inspired generations of attorneys and judges. I am grateful for her confidence and support.”
Judge White’s career has been marked by historic achievements and distinguished service. After serving as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, she was appointed to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court. In 2015, she became the first African American to serve as the county’s chief judge, and in 2020, Judge White then became the first African American woman to serve on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, later elevated to Chief Judge. Throughout her public service, she earned a reputation for fairness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to equal justice under the law.Judge Petrashek was appointed to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals by Governor Tony Evers in 2026, following Judge White’s retirement. Prior to his appointment, he dedicated his legal career to Wisconsin’s appellate courts and served as an adjunct professor teaching appellate advocacy and legal writing. His extensive experience and commitment to impartial decision-making have earned the respect of colleagues throughout Wisconsin’s legal community.As a judge on the Court of Appeals, Petrashek is committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring every person receives a fair hearing, and maintaining the independence and integrity of Wisconsin’s judiciary.