Democrats Aim to Expand Liberal Influence on Wisconsin Supreme Court

Abortion rights and other high-stakes issues at stake in closely watched election

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:22am

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A photorealistic painting of the Wisconsin state capitol building, with the grand structure bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, creating a contemplative, cinematic mood that reflects the high stakes of the upcoming Supreme Court election.The Wisconsin Supreme Court election will determine the ideological balance of the state's highest court, with far-reaching implications for the political landscape.Madison Today

Democrats are hoping to increase liberal control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in an election that has focused heavily on abortion rights. The court will also soon take up cases related to congressional redistricting, union rights, and other key political issues in the battleground state.

Why it matters

The Wisconsin Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in shaping the state's political landscape, with its rulings impacting high-profile issues like abortion access, voting rights, and the balance of power between Democrats and Republicans. This election could shift the ideological makeup of the court, with significant implications for the state's future.

The details

This year's Supreme Court election stands in contrast to the previous two, which saw record-breaking national spending as the two parties battled for control of the court. While spending and attention are down this year, the stakes remain high, with the court poised to take up cases that could affect congressional redistricting, union rights, and other crucial issues.

  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Maria Lazar

A Court of Appeals Judge running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Chris Taylor

A Court of Appeals Judge running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

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What’s next

The Wisconsin Supreme Court will soon begin hearing cases that could impact congressional redistricting, union rights, and other high-stakes political issues in the state.

The takeaway

The Wisconsin Supreme Court election has significant implications for the state's political landscape, with the court's future rulings potentially shaping key issues like abortion access, voting rights, and the balance of power between Democrats and Republicans.