2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Pivots on Election Policy

The 2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court race between appeals court judges Maria S. Lazar and Chris Taylor will shape critical rulings on election policies, including absentee voting rules and access for the 2028 presidential contest. This nonpartisan April 7 election pits conservative Lazar against liberal Taylor, with the winner poised to tip the court's balance on transformative voting cases. A recent Marquette Law School Poll shows Taylor leading slightly among likely voters at 23% to Lazar's 17%, but 53% of registered voters remain undecided.[1]

Lazar, from District 2 centered in Waukesha, emphasizes judicial independence and experience, backed by former Gov. Scott Walker and Republican congressional members; she's spoken at Federalist Society events and warns against a liberal 5-2 court majority.[4][5][8] Taylor, from District 4 in Madison and a former Democratic lawmaker, pushes for a pro-democracy court opposing gerrymandering, with endorsements from U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and liberal justices; her camp has outspent Lazar's 15-to-1, dropping over $5.6 million on ads.[2][5][8] Their April 2 debate, rescheduled due to Taylor's health issue, airs from Milwaukee studios.[3][6]

For Milwaukee residents, the stakes hit home: the court could redefine voting access in a swing-state battleground, affecting local absentee ballots, drop boxes and turnout in urban precincts.[12] Early voting began March 24, giving city voters a direct say in safeguarding fair elections amid national scrutiny.[5]

Voters head to polls April 7; a Taylor win locks in liberal dominance unseen since the 1970s, while Lazar could preserve conservative checks.[12]