“I think what came out of the debate was just a real contrast between myself and my opponent,” stated Chris Taylor, a candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, following a recent debate held on April 2, 2026.
As the election approaches on April 7, 2026, Taylor, who is 58 years old and serves on the Madison-based District 4 Court of Appeals, is viewed as the liberal candidate in a race against conservative opponent Maria Lazar, 62, from the Waukesha-based District 2 Court of Appeals.
The current Wisconsin Supreme Court has a narrow 4-3 liberal majority, and the outcome of this election could significantly impact the court’s future. If Taylor wins, the liberal majority would expand to 5-2, while a victory for Lazar would maintain the status quo.
In terms of campaign financing, Taylor has raised approximately $6.2 million, significantly outpacing Lazar, who has raised about $1.2 million. This financial advantage reflects the heightened stakes of the election.
However, early voting turnout has been notably lower than in previous elections, with only 324,000 early ballots returned so far. This trend has raised concerns among political analysts about voter engagement.
Charles Franklin, a political analyst, remarked, “The majority is not up for grabs, so political actors – especially out of state — are not engaged in the race,” highlighting the unique dynamics of this election.
Melissa Moore Baldauff, a supporter of Taylor, expressed confidence in the liberal judiciary, stating, “After ending the conservative stranglehold on our judiciary, Wisconsinites have gotten used to having a fair and independent state Supreme Court that protects the constitutional rights of all Wisconsinites and keeps extremists in check.”
In the debate, Taylor accused Lazar of dishonesty, asserting, “My opponent, point blank, lied.” This statement underscores the contentious nature of the race as both candidates seek to define their positions and appeal to voters.
As the election date nears, both candidates are expected to ramp up their campaigning efforts, focusing on key issues that resonate with Wisconsin voters. The outcome of this election will not only determine the composition of the Supreme Court but also influence the broader political landscape in the state.
