Schimel sworn in as interim U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (Civic Media) – Former Wisconsin attorney general and state Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel was named the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

Schimel, who was most recently a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge, was appointed by U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi.

In Wisconsin, U.S. Attorneys are nominated by a panel of six people, three picked by each current U.S. Senator. However, Schimel wasn’t able to get approval from the judicial nominating commission, according to a release by Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin,” Schimel said in a release. “I want to thank everyone who has placed their trust in me once again.”

The interim appointment lasts for 120 days, unless district court judges decide to allow the appointment to continue. Schimel said that his hope is to stay in the position beyond that limit.

“I am well aware that the word ‘interim’ appears in front of my title,” Schimel said. “I am optimistic that this will become a longer-term opportunity, but whatever the case, I intend to work hard to support the team here to do great things for the people we serve.”

The Eastern District of Wisconsin includes Milwaukee and all of eastern Wisconsin, a total of 28 counties divided north and south.

Richard Frohling, who was serving as acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin after Gregory Haanstad was removed by the Trump administration in February, will resume his role as First Assistant U.S. Attorney.