Democrats Aim to Solidify Liberal Control of Wisconsin Supreme Court

Abortion rights and redistricting cases await the state's top court as Democrats seek to flip the bench in a key battleground state.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, fractured painting featuring abstract shapes and forms in shades of blue, representing the contested battle for control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and its far-reaching impact on the state's political landscape.The high-stakes Wisconsin Supreme Court election could solidify liberal control of the state's top court, with major implications for issues like abortion rights and redistricting.Madison Today

Democrats are hoping to increase their liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in a closely watched election that has focused heavily on abortion rights. The race pits Democratic-backed Judge Chris Taylor against Republican-supported Judge Maria Lazar, with the outcome set to impact a range of high-stakes issues from congressional redistricting to union rights. Liberals currently hold a 4-3 edge on the court, and a win for Taylor would cement their 5-2 control until at least 2030.

Why it matters

Wisconsin's Supreme Court has become a crucial battleground, with the court's partisan makeup shaping decisions on a wide array of politically charged issues. The court's rulings have already overturned the state's abortion ban and redrawn legislative maps, boosting Democratic hopes of capturing the governor's office and flipping the state legislature in November. This election could solidify the liberal majority's grip on the court for years to come.

The details

The race features two state appeals court judges: Democrat-backed Chris Taylor, a former state lawmaker and Planned Parenthood employee, and Republican-supported Maria Lazar, who previously worked in the state Department of Justice under a GOP attorney general. Taylor has centered her campaign on abortion rights, while Lazar has accused her opponent of being a 'judicial activist' with a partisan agenda. Despite the officially nonpartisan nature of the race, the candidates' support breaks down largely along party lines.

  • The election is taking place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Another conservative justice is set to retire from the Wisconsin Supreme Court next year, giving liberals a chance to gain a 6-1 majority if they win this election.

The players

Chris Taylor

A Democratic-backed state appeals court judge who previously served 10 years as a Democratic state lawmaker representing the liberal capital city of Madison.

Maria Lazar

A Republican-supported state appeals court judge who previously worked for four years in the state Department of Justice under a GOP attorney general, defending laws passed by the Republican-controlled legislature.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Abortion is on the ballot.”

— Chris Taylor, Judicial Candidate

“Chris Taylor is a radical, extreme legislator and a judicial activist.”

— Maria Lazar, Judicial Candidate

What’s next

The winner of the election will join the Wisconsin Supreme Court, with the liberal majority poised to rule on a range of high-stakes issues including congressional redistricting, union rights, and abortion access in the coming years.

The takeaway

This election represents the latest chapter in the partisan battle for control of Wisconsin's Supreme Court, a key battleground that has major implications for the balance of power in the state. The outcome could cement the liberal majority's grip on the court for years to come, shaping decisions on some of the most divisive political issues in the state.