POLITICS

Wisconsin Supreme Court race could shift state judicial control

PUBLISHED Apr 7, 2026, 12:29 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 4

Left 25%

Center 75%

Sources: 4

Madison: Voters cast ballots Tuesday in a Wisconsin Supreme Court contest between Democratic-backed Chris Taylor and Republican-supported Maria Lazar for a 10-year seat, with the race focused on abortion rights, redistricting and union-rights cases and the potential to alter the court's ideological balance. The outcome could widen a 4-3 liberal majority to 5-2 or leave dynamics unchanged; if Taylor wins liberals may maintain control through the term, while either outcome influences litigation timelines and party strategies heading into November statewide and legislative contests.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2011 — Republicans gain and retain the Wisconsin state Legislature majority.
2020 — Wisconsin Supreme Court issued narrow rulings, including upholding Biden's state win.
A year ago — Wisconsin hosted what was reported as the nation's most expensive judicial race.
This week (Tuesday) — Voters decide the contested Wisconsin Supreme Court seat between Taylor and Lazar.
Upcoming November — Parties aim to influence the court ahead of gubernatorial and legislative elections.

News Intelligence

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race affects your rights. The court's decisions can shape laws on abortion, unions, and voting districts. If you live in Wisconsin, this impacts your daily life. If you're outside Wisconsin, it could influence national trends.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 3
Distribution:: Left 25%, Center 75%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

If Democratic-backed Chris Taylor wins, Democrats could extend liberal influence on the Wisconsin Supreme Court through the seat's 10-year term, strengthening their legal and policy position on abortion, redistricting and union-rights cases and assisting broader November electoral objectives.

Who Impacted

If the Republican-backed candidate wins — or Democrats fail to expand their majority — Republican-backed policies and statutes may remain insulated from reversal, and Democratic goals to roll back Republican-enacted laws would face a more constrained judicial path.