Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Monroe County Circuit Judge Todd Ziegler to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, filling the vacancy created when Judge Chris Taylor moved up to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Ziegler will serve out the remainder of the current term, which runs through July 31, 2027.
In rolling out the pick, Evers talked up Ziegler’s résumé and temperament, saying, “Judge Ziegler has the experience, judgment, and character to step into this important role on Day One,” according to a press release posted by Urban Milwaukee. In that same announcement, Ziegler said he was “truly grateful” for the appointment and pledged to draw on his years on the county bench as he moves into the appellate role.
From Sparta Courthouse to District IV
Ziegler has served on the Monroe County bench since 2007 and currently holds the titles of presiding judge for the county and deputy chief judge of the Seventh Judicial Administrative District. The Wisconsin Court System’s Third Branch newsletter notes that he led Monroe County’s OWI Treatment Court, has chaired or served on several statewide judicial committees, and received the Jack Aulik Award for problem‑solving courts. He also brings substantial criminal and civil trial court experience, along with earlier service as a law clerk on the Court of Appeals.
What the District IV Bench Will Want
District IV, based in Madison, handles appeals from a broad stretch of western and south‑central Wisconsin, so its judges routinely confront cases with administrative, regulatory, and intergovernmental angles. Thanks to its proximity to state government, the court frequently sees disputes involving state agencies and policy fights, which means Ziegler’s mix of trial experience and problem‑solving‑court work could affect how the panel approaches recovery, sentencing, and child‑welfare appeals. Analysts with IRG Court Watch say that background in treatment courts and local court administration can shape how judges think about remedies and post‑trial supervision.
Ziegler lives in Sparta and has said he is eager to bring nearly two decades on the county bench to his new appellate post. The governor’s release announcing the appointment is available through Urban Milwaukee. He will hold the District IV seat through July 31, 2027, after which the position will next be filled through the standard election cycle or appointment process set out in state law.
