MADISON, Wis. — Liberals in Wisconsin are aiming to expand their recent electoral successes with the April 7 Supreme Court election, a contest that could cement their advantage on the state’s highest court for years.
The race pits Democratic-backed appeals court judge Chris Taylor against Republican-backed Maria Lazar, who seeks to succeed retiring conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley. Taylor’s campaign has emphasized abortion rights, voting rights, and economic concerns, echoing strategies that helped previous liberal candidates secure victories in 2023 and 2025.
Fundraising and Advertising Edge
Taylor has raised significantly more campaign funds than Lazar, giving her a major advantage in ad spending. Since the start of the year, Taylor’s campaign has spent $2.3 million on television and digital ads, compared with just $157,000 for Lazar. Outside groups supporting Taylor have added another $1.3 million, while Republican-aligned organizations spent under $12,000.
Brandon Scholz, a Wisconsin political strategist, said the liberal candidates’ combination of messaging, money, and issue-focused campaigns has reshaped the state’s judicial elections. “Democrats have proved they can outraise and outspend Republicans while turning these technically nonpartisan races into issue-driven contests that engage voters,” he said.
Political Experience and Messaging
Taylor, a former Democratic state legislator and appeals court judge, has leveraged her legislative background to frame her judicial philosophy around key issues such as reproductive rights. Lazar, also an appeals court judge and former staffer in Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s administration, has focused on her judicial record and criticized Taylor’s legislative history.
The late entry of Lazar into the race, following Bradley’s delayed retirement announcement last August, has compounded fundraising and organizational challenges for the conservative candidate. Republicans also face longer-term challenges, with Justice Annette Ziegler set to leave the court in 2027 and other conservative seats up for re-election between 2028 and 2030.
Voter Awareness and Uncertainty
Despite her advantages, Taylor faces an electorate with many undecided voters. A recent Marquette University Law School poll indicated that 62% of likely voters had not yet made a choice, and most were not closely following the race. Taylor emphasized outreach to these voters, framing the election as a defense of Wisconsin’s state rights and judicial independence.
Wisconsin Democrats view the Supreme Court race as a key momentum-builder for the state’s upcoming gubernatorial contest this fall. With Gov. Tony Evers not seeking a third term, the election could shape statewide political dynamics and influence voter enthusiasm for Democratic candidates.
“Winning the Supreme Court race is more than a seat,” said Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Devin Remiker. “It sets the tone for future elections, energizes our base, and demonstrates that Democrats can win on multiple levels.”
Taylor and her campaign remain confident that her messaging and financial advantages, coupled with voters’ growing attention to state-level judicial decisions, will maintain the liberal winning streak in Wisconsin.
