Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Will Shape Election Policies

Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Appeals Court Judges Maria Lazar and Chris Taylor are locked in a heated race set for April 7 that could tip the court's balance and shape election rules ahead of the 2028 presidential contest.[1][6][7] Early voting began March 24, with a recent Marquette Law School Poll showing Taylor leading Lazar 23% to 17% among registered voters, though 53% remain undecided.[2] The nonpartisan election follows Justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley's decision not to seek re-election, opening the seat after no February primary due to just two filers.[7]

Lazar, from District II in Waukesha, stresses judicial experience and independence to block a liberal 5-2 majority; she's endorsed by former Gov. Scott Walker and all six Republican U.S. House members from Wisconsin.[1][6][9] Taylor, from District IV in Madison and a former Democratic state lawmaker, pushes a "pro-democracy" stance against gerrymandering, backed by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, four liberal Supreme Court justices, and unions like the AFL-CIO.[1][6][7] Taylor holds a big fundraising edge, outspending Lazar 15-1, while their April 2 debate airs on WISN 12 in Milwaukee.[3][6]

For Milwaukee residents, the stakes hit close to home: the court will rule on absentee voting, fair maps, and election disputes under new boundaries that could boost urban turnout.[1][10] A Taylor win solidifies liberal control on issues like reproductive rights and criminal justice, while Lazar could preserve a 4-3 split, affecting local policies on voting access key to the city's diverse electorate.[6][9]

Voters have until April 7; check wisconsin.gov for polling sites, with the winner serving a 10-year term.[7]