Women’s representation in Wisconsin’s courts has continued to grow over the past 20 years. All three court levels—Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court—show steady increases in the share of women serving.
The total number of women serving as judges in Wisconsin has increased substantially, rising from 41 in 2005 to 106 in 2025. Increases within the Circuit Courts primarily drive this growth. As women’s numbers have grown, so has their overall share of the judiciary, reaching nearly 37% in 2025, up from 15% in 2005.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court continues to be predominantly female, with six of the seven seats held by women!
Women in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, 2005–2025
This chart shows the number of women and men serving as judges on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals over time. Women’s representation increased steadily across the two decades, rising from three judges in 2005 to ten in 2025, reflecting a gradual but significant shift toward greater gender balance on the appellate bench. By 2025, women exceeded parity on the Court of Appeals, holding 10 of 16 seats (63%), marking a notable milestone in the diversification of Wisconsin’s judiciary!
Women in Wisconsin Circuit Courts, 2005–2025
This chart shows the number of women and men serving as Wisconsin Circuit Court judges and the share of seats held by women over time. Women’s representation grew steadily from 2005 to 2015 and accelerated sharply after 2015. By 2021, women held roughly one-third, 32%, of Circuit Court judgeships, reflecting a significant shift in the composition of the bench. In 2025, women continue to hold a substantially larger share than in prior decades, 34%, showing meaningful progress toward greater gender balance in Wisconsin’s Circuit Courts.