Judge Brad Schimel and Waukesha DA Sue Opper have endorsed prosecutor Zach Wittchow.

Waukesha County Assistant District Attorney Zach Wittchow, who was one of the prosecutors in the Waukesha Christmas parade case, announced his candidacy for Waukesha County Circuit Court, Branch 6, which is the seat being vacated by Judge Brad Schimel, who is running for state Supreme Court and who has endorsed Wittchow as his successor on the bench.

Waukesha County DA Sue Opper, Wittchow’s current boss, also endorsed him.

“Having worked side-by-side with law enforcement officials throughout his career, Zach has a proven track record in public safety and a reputation for getting justice for crime victims,” a press release from Wittchow’s campaign says. “With over a decade of experience as a prosecutor, Zach has litigated complex constitutional issues and has tried more than 50 cases to juries. He has worked tirelessly to secure convictions against hundreds of drug dealers, reckless drivers, and violent criminals.”

“In short,” the release says, “Zach has both the necessary experience and the right priorities to serve as a law-and-order judge for the citizens of Waukesha County. Zach’s reputation for decency and legal expertise are a large part of why he is endorsed by former Wisconsin Attorney General and current candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court, Judge Brad Schimel.”

Schimel, the former state Attorney General and Waukesha County District Attorney, was appointed to the bench in 2019.

“The citizens of Waukesha County deserve to have judges that follow the law as it is written and hold criminals accountable. That’s why I am proud to endorse Zach to succeed me in Branch 6 of the Waukesha County Circuit Court,” Schimel said. “Zach’s trial skills, legal acumen, and integrity would make him a strong addition to the Waukesha County bench.”

Schimel added: “Zach has tried several cases in my court, and as a result I’ve seen him demonstrate a rare commitment to justice. I also know Zach outside the courthouse, and I know him to be a family man, a leader in the community, and the type of strong conservative that Waukesha County deserves. The citizens of our county can be assured that Zach will faithfully follow the Constitution as a judge.”

Wittchow was one of the three prosecutors assigned to the Waukesha Christmas Parade case. The others were DA Sue Opper and Lesli Boese, who is running for Waukesha County District Attorney to replace Opper, who is retiring.

Opper is also endorsing Wittchow.

“One of three prosecutors on the Waukesha Christmas Parade case, Zach worked hand in hand with victims and members of the Waukesha Strong community to secure justice for all who were terrorized by the attacker’s terrible conduct that day. Zach’s significant contribution to that case is a substantial factor in Waukesha County District Attorney Sue Opper’s decision to endorse him,” the release says.

“Zach has been an integral member of our office and I have seen firsthand his outstanding work ethic, as well as his devotion to crime victims. The whole community witnessed his character and poise during the Christmas parade trial in dealing with a chaotic courtroom environment and the emotional nature of the case. I am confident that as a judge, Zach will continue to be a strong supporter of crime victims’ Constitutional rights,” said Opper, in the release.

Zach Wittchow “grew up in Rosendale, Wisconsin, and graduated cum laude from Marquette Law School with a certificate in litigation and special honors for pro bono service. He and his wife Ali have lived in Waukesha County for over a decade; they have three daughters and a dog named Huckleberry. Outside of the courthouse Zach is active in church leadership at Ascension Lutheran Church in Waukesha and regularly volunteers with the Sheriff’s Department Citizens’ Academy, several local DARE programs, and Waukesha Noon Kiwanis. He is also an active member of the Waukesha County Bar Association, as well as the Milwaukee Chapter of the Federalist Society,” the release says.

Zach Wittchow has a campaign website that can be accessed here.