Wisconsin Supreme Court Election: A Pivotal Contest for Democracy and Voting Rights
Wisconsin voters are heading to the polls on Tuesday to choose a state supreme court judge, in a race that holds significant implications for the state's political landscape and the integrity of future elections. The election will fill the seat left by outgoing conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley, offering liberals an opportunity to strengthen their majority on the bench. This comes at a critical time, as the swing state of Wisconsin is expected to face challenges to election results in the upcoming midterms, with former President Donald Trump and his allies potentially attempting to overturn outcomes once again.
The Candidates and Their Stances
Two candidates are vying for the position: Chris Taylor, a liberal judge on the state's court of appeals and former Democratic lawmaker, and Maria Lazar, a conservative judge also on the court of appeals and former deputy state attorney general. A victory for Taylor would expand the liberal bloc to a 5-2 majority on the supreme court, potentially shaping decisions on key issues such as voting rights and election laws.
Chris Taylor is widely viewed as a proponent of voting rights, advocating for policies that ensure broader access to the ballot. In contrast, Maria Lazar aligns more closely with Republican efforts that could restrict voting access. Notably, Lazar has defended gerrymandered maps in Wisconsin, which were designed to favor Republican victories but have since been overturned. This election is seen as a referendum on these divergent approaches to democracy and governance.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has been a focal point of intense political battles in recent years. In 2023, liberals flipped the court to a 4-3 majority in what was then the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, according to the Brennan Center. The following year, in 2025, the race saw unprecedented spending, surpassing $100 million, with tech billionaire Elon Musk contributing millions and supporting groups pouring in heavy funds. Liberal candidate Susan Crawford emerged victorious in that high-profile contest.
This year's election, however, is markedly quieter and less expensive than the previous two. Despite the lower profile, advocates for voting rights emphasize its importance. Victoria Bassetti, a senior adviser to the States United Democracy Center, highlighted that Wisconsin has been at the center of extensive litigation over election procedures, stating that while this race may seem like a sleeper contest, it is anything but low-stakes from a democracy perspective.
Campaign Dynamics and Voter Engagement
In the final days of campaigning, the candidates have sharpened their messages. Maria Lazar attacked Chris Taylor as too partisan for the court, asserting at a county Republican party office that the court is not for sale and emphasizing the need for a judge focused solely on the law and constitution. Meanwhile, Taylor, speaking at a county Democratic headquarters, stressed the court's role in protecting democracy, resisting federal overreach, and safeguarding state independence.
Polls indicate that Taylor is favored to win, but she has cautioned against complacency, noting that the court's composition can change rapidly due to upcoming elections. A March poll by Marquette Law School revealed that more than half of voters were still undecided less than a month before election day, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the race.
Broader Implications for Judicial Elections
Judicial elections vary widely across the United States. In Wisconsin, justices are directly elected by voters, unlike at the national level where they are appointed. Some states use retention elections, allowing voters to decide whether to keep appointed judges in office. Overall, judicial elections have become increasingly expensive in recent years, reflecting their growing political significance.
This race serves as a gauge of Democratic durability in the midterms, particularly in a key swing state. Democratic candidates have recently achieved upset victories in traditionally Republican areas, building momentum for November. However, midterm elections often see voters siding against the incumbent president, adding another layer of complexity to the outcome.
As Wisconsin votes, the stakes extend beyond the state's borders, influencing national debates on election integrity, voting rights, and the role of the judiciary in American democracy.
