Liberal Judge Chris Taylor Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Election in Landmark Victory
In a decisive electoral triumph with far-reaching consequences, Chris Taylor, a Democratic-backed candidate, has been elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This victory solidifies a liberal majority on the bench until at least 2030, marking a pivotal shift in the state's judicial landscape. The election outcome is poised to influence critical issues such as congressional redistricting, union rights, and abortion access in this key battleground state.
A Campaign Centered on Abortion Rights and Democratic Values
Taylor, who focused her campaign heavily on abortion rights, comfortably defeated her Republican-backed opponent, Maria Lazar. This win represents the fourth consecutive victory for liberal court candidates since 2020, underscoring a sustained trend in Wisconsin's political dynamics. In her victory speech, Taylor emphasized the importance of putting people at the forefront of governance, stating, "Once again, Wisconsin showed the entire nation that we believe that the people should be at the center of government and the priority of our judiciary, not the billionaires, not the most powerful and privileged, but the people."
Following Lazar's double-digit defeat, Wisconsin Republican Party Chair Brian Schimming called for unity among conservatives, urging them to "stay united and continue fighting for our conservative values." The election's timing is significant, occurring just months before a November election where Democrats aim to retain the governor's office and flip the state Legislature, which has been under Republican control since 2011.
Contrasting Election Dynamics and Historical Context
This year's Supreme Court election differed markedly from previous contests in the swing state. Unlike the record-breaking national spending seen in earlier battles over majority control, spending and national attention were notably reduced this year, as control of the court was not at stake. Liberals initially gained control of Wisconsin's top court in 2023, ending a 15-year conservative majority, and have since maintained their dominance.
The 2025 election was framed by liberals as a defense of democracy, highlighting that under conservative control in 2020, the court nearly sided with former President Donald Trump in his attempt to overturn election results. Since taking charge, the liberal-controlled court has reversed several election-related rulings, including overturning a ban on absentee ballot drop boxes, and is expected to play a crucial role in the 2028 presidential election.
Candidate Backgrounds and Campaign Strategies
Although Supreme Court races are officially nonpartisan, candidate support typically aligns with partisan lines. The open seat resulted from the retirement of a conservative justice. Taylor, a state Appeals Court judge and former employee of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, centered her campaign on abortion rights, with TV ads declaring "abortion is on the ballot" and criticizing Lazar for praising the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Lazar, also a state Appeals Court judge supported by anti-abortion groups, attempted to portray Taylor as a partisan politician. During their sole debate, Lazar accused Taylor of being a "radical, extreme legislator" and a "judicial activist," while Taylor countered that Lazar would bring "an extreme, right-wing political agenda to the bench." However, Taylor held a substantial fundraising advantage, spending approximately nine times more on television ads than Lazar, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
Implications for Future Legal and Political Battles
The liberal-controlled court has already made significant rulings, striking down a state abortion ban and ordering new legislative maps, fueling Democratic hopes for a legislative majority in November. Taylor, who has served as a judge since 2020 and previously represented Madison in the state Assembly for a decade, brings a strong liberal perspective to the bench.
In contrast, Lazar, a judge since 2015, previously worked under a Republican attorney general, defending laws such as those ending collective bargaining for public workers and implementing voter ID requirements. A recent circuit court ruling deemed the collective bargaining law unconstitutional, a case likely to reach the state Supreme Court. With another conservative justice retiring next year, Taylor's victory positions liberals to potentially achieve a 6-1 majority, further cementing their influence on Wisconsin's legal and political future.
