2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Pivots on Election Policy

The 2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court race between Appeals Court Judges Maria Lazar and Chris Taylor is poised to shape key election policies, including absentee voting rules that could impact the 2028 presidential contest. With early voting underway since March 24 and Election Day on April 7, the nonpartisan election to replace retiring conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley has drawn massive TV ad spending, signaling its national stakes. A Taylor win would expand the court's liberal majority to 5-2, while Lazar's victory would preserve the current 4-3 balance.[1][2][3]

Lazar, a District 2 judge from Germantown with ties to the Federalist Society and endorsements from former Gov. Scott Walker and Republican congressional members, stresses judicial experience and preventing liberal dominance. Taylor, a District 4 judge from Wautoma and former Democratic lawmaker backed by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and liberal justices, pushes for a "pro-democracy" court opposing gerrymandering and election challenges. A recent Marquette Law School Poll shows Taylor leading 23%-17% among registered voters, but 53% remain undecided.[1][2][7][9]

For Milwaukee residents, the outcome matters deeply as the court could rule on voting access in a swing state, affecting local turnout in urban areas with high absentee ballot use. It also influences broader issues like reproductive rights and criminal justice that hit home in diverse communities.[1][3][13]

Campaigns continue with high intensity; a planned Milwaukee debate was postponed after Taylor's hospitalization for kidney stones, but both candidates are touring the state before April 7.[4]