Democrat Chris Taylor Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Seat/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democratic-backed Chris Taylor won a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat. Her victory expands the liberal majority through at least 2030. Key issues include abortion rights, redistricting, and union laws.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Quick Looks
- Chris Taylor wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race
- Liberal majority secured until at least 2030
- Taylor defeats Republican-backed Maria Lazar
- Abortion rights central campaign issue
- Court to weigh redistricting and union cases
- Democrats eye legislative gains in November
- Taylor held large fundraising advantage
- Liberals win fourth straight court race
- Seat opened after conservative retirement
- Potential 6-1 liberal majority next year
Deep Look: Chris Taylor Victory Expands Liberal Control of Wisconsin Supreme Court
MADISON, Wisconsin — Democratic-backed candidate Chris Taylor won election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court Tuesday, expanding the court’s liberal majority and setting the stage for rulings on key political and social issues in one of the nation’s most competitive battleground states.
Taylor defeated Republican-backed Maria Lazar by a double-digit margin, marking the fourth consecutive victory for liberal candidates in Wisconsin Supreme Court elections since 2020. The outcome ensures liberals will maintain control of the court until at least 2030.
In her victory speech, Taylor emphasized the role of voters and the judiciary.
“Once again, Wisconsin showed the entire nation that we believe that the people should be at the center of government,” Taylor said.
High-Stakes Cases Ahead
Taylor’s victory comes as the Wisconsin Supreme Court prepares to consider several high-profile issues, including:
- Congressional redistricting
- Union rights and labor laws
- Election rules and voting procedures
- Abortion access laws
Democrats tightened their control of the court just months before a crucial November election, where they aim to retain the governor’s office and potentially flip control of the state Legislature.
Republicans have controlled Wisconsin’s Legislature since 2011, and Democrats hope court rulings could reshape legislative maps and improve their chances in future elections.
Campaign Focused on Abortion Rights
Taylor, currently a state Appeals Court judge and former Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin attorney, made abortion rights a central theme of her campaign.
One television advertisement argued that “abortion is on the ballot,” while another criticized Lazar for praising the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
Lazar, also a state Appeals Court judge, attempted to portray Taylor as a partisan figure who would advance a political agenda from the bench.
During the campaign’s only debate, Lazar labeled Taylor a “radical, extreme legislator,” while Taylor countered that Lazar would bring an “extreme, right-wing political agenda” to the court.
Fundraising Advantage
Taylor held a significant financial edge, spending roughly nine times more than Lazar on television advertising, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
The funding advantage helped Taylor communicate her message statewide, while Lazar struggled to gain similar visibility.
Although Wisconsin Supreme Court races are officially nonpartisan, support for candidates largely followed party lines.
Liberal Majority Already Shaping Policy
Since gaining control in 2023, the liberal-majority court has already:
- Struck down a state abortion ban
- Ordered new legislative maps
- Reversed restrictions on absentee ballot drop boxes
These decisions have increased the court’s influence on state politics and national election dynamics.
Republicans Call for Unity
Following the defeat, Wisconsin Republican Party Chair Brian Schimming called on Republicans to regroup and remain united.
“Stay united and continue fighting for our conservative values,” Schimming said.
Despite the loss, Republicans may still have future opportunities to influence the court.
More Changes Possible
Another conservative justice is scheduled to retire next year, creating another opportunity for liberals to expand their majority to 6-1.
Such a shift would further cement liberal control of the court for years.
Lazar, a judge since 2015, previously worked in the Wisconsin Department of Justice under a Republican attorney general and defended several conservative-backed laws, including voter ID requirements and collective bargaining limits.
Battleground State Impact
Wisconsin remains a key battleground state in national politics, and the court’s decisions could influence future presidential elections.
The liberal majority is expected to shape election rules, district maps, and policy disputes in the years ahead.
Taylor’s victory strengthens Democratic hopes of gaining political ground in Wisconsin and reinforces the growing importance of state Supreme Court races nationwide.
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