Liberals Expand Majority on Wisconsin Supreme Court in Low-Key Election

Chris Taylor's victory over Maria Lazar strengthens liberal control ahead of key 2026 elections.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:38am

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A serene, cinematic painting of the Wisconsin state capitol building, its grand architecture and dome bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation over the state's judicial landscape.The Wisconsin state capitol stands as a symbol of the state's high-stakes judicial elections, where control of the Supreme Court has become a key battleground in the ongoing partisan divide.Green Bay Today

In a low-profile but high-stakes election, Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor, a liberal, defeated conservative Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar to win a seat on the state's Supreme Court. With Taylor's victory, the court's liberal majority expands to 5-2, giving them greater influence over key issues like abortion rights, congressional redistricting, and union rights ahead of the 2026 elections.

Why it matters

Wisconsin's Supreme Court elections have become increasingly partisan in recent years, with outside money and national attention pouring in as the court's ideological balance hangs in the balance. While this year's race drew less fanfare, the outcome still has major implications for the state's political landscape, as the court's liberal majority will likely shape rulings on high-stakes issues in the run-up to the 2026 gubernatorial and legislative elections.

The details

Taylor, a former Democratic state representative, will succeed a retiring conservative justice on the court. The victory expands the liberal majority to 5-2, after liberals took control of the court in 2023 and reversed several election-related rulings by the prior conservative majority, including a ban on absentee ballot drop boxes.

  • The election took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Liberals took control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2023.

The players

Chris Taylor

A Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge and former Democratic state representative who won the election to the state Supreme Court, expanding the liberal majority to 5-2.

Maria Lazar

A Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge and conservative who lost the election to the state Supreme Court.

Wisconsin Supreme Court

The state's highest court, which has become increasingly partisan in recent election cycles, with the liberal majority now expanded to 5-2 following Taylor's victory.

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What’s next

The new liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court will likely shape rulings on key issues like abortion rights, congressional redistricting, and union rights in the run-up to the 2026 gubernatorial and legislative elections in the state.

The takeaway

This low-key but high-stakes election has significant implications for the political landscape in Wisconsin, as the expanded liberal majority on the state's Supreme Court will wield considerable influence over crucial issues in the coming years. The outcome highlights the continued partisan nature of judicial elections, even at the state level, and the outsized impact they can have on the broader political landscape.