Wisconsin Supreme Court Election: A Critical Contest for Democracy

The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 7, 2024, presents a pivotal moment for the state's judicial landscape, with significant implications for election administration, abortion rights, and labor laws. The contest features liberal-backed candidate Chris Taylor, a former Democratic lawmaker, against conservative-backed Maria Lazar, a current judge on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. A victory for Taylor would solidify a 5-2 liberal majority on the court, a significant shift not seen since the 1970s, while a win for Lazar could enable conservatives to regain control by 2028.

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Chris Taylor has a history of advocating for ballot access and has been endorsed by various labor unions, including the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. Her judicial decisions reflect a commitment to making voting more accessible, as demonstrated in a 2023 ruling that favored broader interpretations of mail-in voting requirements. Taylor emphasizes the importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms, particularly in light of recent federal immigration policies.

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Conversely, Maria Lazar has defended conservative positions, including voter ID laws and abortion restrictions during her tenure as deputy attorney general. She has been endorsed by key figures involved in efforts to contest the 2020 election results in Wisconsin. Lazar's judicial record includes a controversial ruling that allowed access to voters' private health information, which was later overturned by the liberal majority of the state supreme court.

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Despite the high stakes, public awareness of the upcoming election appears low. A February Marquette University poll indicated that 93% of voters had heard little to nothing about the election, a stark contrast to previous election cycles. Victoria Bassetti, a senior advisor at the States United Democracy Center, argues that the election's implications for democracy are significant, even if the court majority is not directly at stake this time.

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The outcome of this election could have lasting effects on Wisconsin's political landscape. If Taylor wins, the liberal majority would be positioned to address ongoing legal challenges related to gerrymandering and voting rights, potentially reshaping the state's congressional map. Conversely, a Lazar victory could bolster conservative efforts to maintain their influence in state governance, particularly in the lead-up to the 2028 presidential election.

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While the candidates' positions are clear, there is a notable discrepancy in public engagement and awareness of the election. The lack of media coverage and voter interest may impact turnout and the overall significance of the election in shaping Wisconsin's judicial future.

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• “We cannot be fatigued when it comes to democracy,” — Chris Taylor, Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge

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• “While this supreme court race may seem like a sleeper contest, from the democracy perspective, it’s anything but low-stakes.” — Victoria Bassetti, Senior Advisor, States United Democracy Center

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The Wisconsin Supreme Court election is poised to be a critical juncture in determining the future of the state's legal and political framework, with implications that extend far beyond the immediate contest.

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